Grandpa and Twins Scoop Top Prize for Real-Life Adventure

A genuine Swallows and Amazons-style expedition around the Isle of Mull with his two young grandsons has earned Hayton resident Boyd Holmes a coveted sailing award.

The 73-year-old former Carlisle solicitor has been announced as the winner of the Cruising Association's annual award for the best log of a family cruise.

Boyd received his award during a special event at the association’s offices in Limehouse, London, where prominent officials and club members were present.

The prize celebrates Boyd's account of week-long cruise he undertook in summer with his 12-year-old twin grandsons, Andrew and John.

Boyd's grandchildren, Andrew and John, embraced life at sea during their journey. (Image: Supplied) The judges ruled that the account of their journey, blending the obstacles encountered with detailed maritime information and abundant dashes of wit, was worthy of winning the premier family cruise accolade.

Boyd and his companions embarked on their journey through the Scottish islands when they departed from Ardfern on the west coast of Scotland aboard Boyd’s 45-foot yacht named Blue Damsel.

Over the following seven days, they tested their sailing abilities amidst the fluctuating weather and changing sea conditions of the Inner Hebrides, also taking pleasure in excursions onto isolated islands.

Among the standout moments were a trip to the picturesque town of Tobermory on Mull, as well as sailing over to the unpopulated island of Staffa for an impressive close encounter with Fingal’s Cave.

Boyd gets the Cruising Association's prize for the top log of a family voyage. (Image: Supplied) "Many factors made this cruise unforgettable, particularly watching my two grandsons acquire practical experience in mastering various sailing techniques," stated Boyd.

"It can be taxing at times, and you need to be aware of the risks involved – but in terms of satisfaction and a sense of achievement, sailing leaves social media high and dry.

"The lads now express their excitement for their upcoming adventure," stated Boyd, who holds a Yachtmaster qualification and previously was the managing partner at Carlisle’s Cartmell Shepherd law firm.

Founded in 1908 and with nearly 6,500 members, the Cruising Association's awards are an eagerly awaited annual event in which Boyd says he was "proud and humbled" to have played a part.

Joining Boyd and his grandchildren on their journey was the vessel’s engineer, Gary Chrispin, an individual with four decades of experience in the Merchant Navy, primarily serving as a chief engineer.

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The previous year witnessed Boyd being awarded sailing trophies from the Clyde Cruising Club and the Royal Cruising Club for his account of a three-week voyage to the Faroe Islands.

Nevertheless, the year was marked by sorrow for Boyd and his family following the death of his wife, Kitty—a distinguished former Carlisle general practitioner—in late August due to a prolonged illness.

He mentioned that Kitty, who co-owns Blue Damsel and has joined him on numerous previous journeys, would undoubtedly have echoed his joy at being awarded the association's family cruise prize.