#26 | Exploring Islay: Whisky, Adventures and Unexpected Friendships

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we find ourselves marooned on the captivating island of Islay due to high winds. Despite the unexpected circumstances, we seize the opportunity to uncover the hidden treasures of this remarkable island. Our mission? To visit all nine whisky distilleries that contribute to Islay's thriving whisky production, leading us to thrilling discoveries and unforgettable experiences. Embracing the spirit of adventure, we explore Islay by various means, including buses, hiking, and even hitchhiking. Our exploration takes us to the enchanting Singing Sands Beach, where the harmony of nature fills the air, and to the ancient cemeteries of Kilnaughton, steeped in local history. On our journey, we have the pleasure of making new friends who enhance our experience. Meet Rick, Craig, Jeff, and Craig from the USA, with whom we share more than a car ride. We also have the pleasure of connecting with the crew of the sailing vessel Babig — Aurélie, Manu, and baby Gaël — whose shared passion for exploration and love for the open seas unite us in friendship. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, the warm hospitality, and the rich culture of Islay. Join us as we embark on this extraordinary adventure, where whisky, friendship, and unexpected encounters intertwine to create memories that will last a lifetime. Sláinte to Islay! #Islay #whisky #friendship #nature #islandlife #scotland #distilleries Chapters: 02:14 Laphroaig Distillery & Otters 04:18 Lagavulin Distillery & the legendary Iain McArthur 06:15 Ardbeg Distillery 08:17 Bowmore Distillery 09:23 Porthahaven 10:52 Bruichladdich Distillery 11:47 Bunnahabain Distillery 14:12 Ardnahoe Distillery 14:39 Caol Ila Distillery 15:36 Of Singing Sands and Cemeteries 19:10 Kilchoman Distillery Music from Epidemic Sound: Stay With Us by Sleeping Vines Swept Off My Feet by Lindsay Abraham The Waves by Ciaran Delaney Choir Hymn by More Than Family Home Made by Martin Carlberg September Child by Vendla Free Form by Amaranth Cove Just In A Flicker by Lalo Brickman Eternal Brilliance by Deskant Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/sailingpolaris https://www.facebook.com/sailingpolaris https://www.sailingpolaris.uk Hi and welcome to our channel! Join us on our incredible sailing adventure aboard our beloved sailing yacht, Polaris Helvetica, a Bavaria Cruiser 46. After leaving our native Switzerland and settling in the UK almost two decades ago, we made a life-changing decision in 2021. With our three boys grown and flown, we bid farewell to the rat race in London and embraced a new chapter aboard Polaris as our primary floating home. Throughout the years, we have embarked on numerous upgrades to enhance our sailing experience on Polaris. We swapped the standard propane gas cooker for an electric cooker and oven, installed a generator, and upgraded to a lithium (LiFePo) house battery bank. Additionally, we added 1,200W of solar panels and a water maker to ensure self-sufficiency on the open seas. The inclusion of a third reefing point on the mainsail and an inner forestay for a working jib and a storm sail further enhances Polaris as a comfortable and safe live-aboard yacht. We now sail along Scotland's breathtaking coastline, enjoying year-round living on our floating oasis. Join us as Kathrin showcases her culinary talents in the galley, preparing delicious meals and mouthwatering baked treats while we navigate the seas. We have truly fallen in love with our new lifestyle, despite the tough decisions we had to make along the way. We bid farewell to our rented house in London and let go of belongings that couldn't fit aboard Polaris. The liberating feeling of knowing that everything we own is on our small sailing boat is indescribable. Our focus is on embracing freedom, exploring new destinations, uncovering the rich histories they hold, and forging connections with fellow adventurers we meet along the way. Subscribe to our channel and join us on this extraordinary journey as we share the beauty of life afloat on SV Polaris Helvetica. Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you won't miss any of our captivating episodes. Fair winds and smooth sailing! #sailing #liveaboard #adventure #travel #sailboatlife #sailingcouple #sailingadventure #yachtlife #offthegrid #exploration #sealovers