© Bonnie Lass Charters
© Bonnie Lass Charters
Roo & Pete - Owners of Bonnie Lass Charters
A couple of expert sailors based in Port de Sóller
Roo and Pete chose Mallorca as the base for their boat trip and yacht chartering business years ago after sailing around the world. With them came a classic 1949 Scottish ringnetter, the Bonnie Lass, which gave her name to their company.
Together with Morwenna, a 45-foot Bristol pilot cutter, Bonnie Lass offer boat trips along Mallorca's northern coast. Based in Port de Sóller they provide everything you need for a wonderful day out on the Mediterranean waters. From adventurous stand-up paddle boarding safari trips, to relaxing sunset tours, gourmet restaurant coastal cruises or BBQ lunch trips, exploratory diving boat trips or challenging climbing and deep water soloing escapades.
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No matter what type of sea adventure you are dreaming of, Bonnie Lass Charters will make it true thanks to their experienced crew and unique vessels.
A very unique vessel
Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based.
Bonnie Lass Charters is a classic yacht charter company based in Port de Sóller, on the north-west coast of Mallorca. We offer bespoke day charter and sunset trips aboard our two stunning classic yachts. ‘Bonnie Lass’ is a superb platform for charter, she’s a 17m classic Scottish ringnetter built in 1949. This season we are really excited to introduce 'Morwenna’ to the fleet, a 14m Bristol Channel pilot cutter. She is a stunning addition to the port and a must do for anyone who loves classic sail.
Your boat is one of the most special vessels in Mallorca. Can you tell us a bit about her history? How did she end up in your hands?
That’s very kind of you to say so. We found Bonnie Lass in the maritime museum in La Rochelle in 2014 and restored her for charter. She’s one of the last boats built at Weatherhead’s Yard in Cockenzie on the east coast of Scotland. There is something extremely special about any classic wooden boat. As an owner, you are responsible for maintaining a part of history, especially with a vessel like Bonnie Lass, where very few of the original fleet exist. Alex Weatherhead, the son of the builder, travelled from Scotland with his family to visit the boat!
Discovering Mallorca by boat
Why did you decide to set up business in Mallorca?
Mallorca offered everything we needed - a good education system for our children, fantastic prospects for establishing our own charter business, a fabulous network of people and… sunshine! We’re very lucky.
What were you doing before?
We have spent 20 years working in the yachting industry, running research vessels and private yachts, and also lived on our 9m sailing boat for 6 years when our kids were young, covering 7,000+ miles around Africa and the Caribbean.
What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in the boat trip business? You have travelled all around the world. How does your experience shape up the boat trips you offer in Mallorca? And your perception of the island?
Mallorca is such a stunning island! Port de Sóller is safe, it’s beautiful and it’s an amazing playground. Also, it’s the only safe haven for boats on this coastline, which gives Bonnie Lass Charters an exclusivity that’s hard to match elsewhere.
What is special about your business? What sets you apart from everyone else?
Bonnie Lass Charters is no ordinary charter business - it’s a lifestyle we pour our energy, creativity and expertise into. We measure our success on the level of enjoyment our guests experience on board.
Any trips around the coastline in Mallorca that you prefer in particular from the range of boat trips you offer? Why?
There is a bay just up the coast here, near Sa Costera. It’s a little off the beaten track and often in summer, we can be the only boat there. With the Serra de Tramuntana mountains towering above and the sun shimmering on the water, it’s the closest thing to paradise.
What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?
In June, Bonnie Lass will be the research vessel for an international marine research project documenting data for proposed Balearic marine reserves. The team combines world renowned marine biologists and Mallorcan based scientists and environmentalists. It’s an honour to be involved. Marine conservation is a personal passion and we strive to do all we can to make a difference. Check out Dos Manos in Mallorca to see how you can help look after our island!
Top tips for our readers
What is your favourite area in Mallorca?
Without hesitation, Port de Sóller. We’ve lived here for three years and it still feels like a honeymoon.
Any restaurant on the island you can recommend for a special occasion?
So many places for so many different reasons! It’s impossible to pick just one but Es Vergeret in Cala Tuent is a fabulous setting for private events.
What about for tapas?
Albatros, in the port, is an absolute ‘go-to’ for tapas. It’s making me feel hungry thinking about it ;)
And a great bar for a drink?
Ocea for good vibes and the best beachfront smoothies, or hit Mini Bar for sun-downer heaven!
If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca?
One of the best virtues of Mallorca is the outstanding variety of activities the island has to offer at any time of year. Whether you like paddleboarding with Soller SUP, climbing, cycling or canyoning, this island offers everything. Hike up Puig de l’Ofre to feel on top of the world, or cool off in the summer exploring awesome underwater caverns with the team at Soller Divers.
Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?
Um, yes. Book with Bonnie Lass Charters!
