Yacht charter company Alba Sailing sold
Scottish yacht charter company Alba Sailing has been sold to a private buyer for an undisclosed sum.
Alba Sailing operates from purpose-built shoreside premises at Dunstaffnage Marina in Dunbeg near Oban, and has been operational for over 40 years. The company offers a wide choice of yachts for charter, ranging from 31 – 46 feet, for bareboat or skippered yacht charter, all of which are fully coded.
The business includes a chandlery store, offering equipment and clothing hire, electronics, rigging and fittings as well as charts and books. There are also laundry services for the charters, plus a workshop that provides maintenance for the chartered yachts. The sale includes the marina fleet, comprising 11 chartered yachts, six of which were privately owned by Alba Sailing and five of which are managed.
The business has been acquired by a first-time buyer and new entrant in the marina market, who brings vast experience in yachting and maritime services.
The business has been owned and operated by David and Julie Banks, and was sold due to their retirement. They said:
“Having originally bought the business from Christie & Co, it only seemed fitting to use Christie & Co to help aid in its disposal. Their knowledge, expertise and contacts in the maritime industry proved vital in selling the business.”
Mark Lavery, Associate Director at Christie & Co. which handled the sale, commented:
“I wish David and Julie all the best with their well-deserved retirement. I am very happy to have been able to sell the charter service for them. They leave an already very successful business in good hands and the future is definitely bright for Alba Sailing going forward.
“This sale reflects the current climate of the maritime industry in Scotland. This high-profile acquisition demonstrates the growing appetite in Scotland for good quality marinas and marina service businesses.”