Nordhavn Europe Whisky Run 2026

Whisky Run Wrap-up

The first ever Nordhavn Run in Europe took place last weekend proving it doesn’t matter where in the world you hold a Nordhavn rendezvous because where there are Nordhavns and Nordhavn owners, there is a good time to be had. Owners from ten different Nordhavns began converging in the Scottish port town of Oban last Thursday, kicking off the Whisky Run, a roving rendezvous of owners and their boats that took them through the picturesque Outer and Inner Hebrides of Western Scotland.

The three-day event was filled with leisurely cruises, dinner and drinks receptions, excursions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery, plenty of laughs and time spent enjoying each other’s company. And because this was a British rendezvous, there was a scone baking contest, naturally!

Seven Nordhavns made the trek in person, with owners of the other three boats flying and driving in for the occasion. They met up at Kerrera Marina, located on its own island just off Oban, and enjoyed drinks and a BBQ inside the Waypoint restaurant. Despite the cool, grey weather (this part of Scotland was immune to the heatwave the rest of the UK was facing), participants took in the scenery from outdoor picnic tables and picked up their customised swag bags filled with items including bottles of Wolfburn whisky, Pantaenius gifts, Nordhavn caps and Whisky Run water bottles. Several of the junior Whisky Run guests left the adults to mingle while they set out to explore the small island and see the Highland Cows. 

On Saturday morning at 10 a.m. sharp, the boats departed Kerrera and made their way to Tobermory. It was a short four-hour trip for the convoy, passing old Scottish castles and lighthouses before arriving into the capital of the Isle of Mull and a welcome greeting from a pod of dolphins as they entered the harbour.

Once settled, the group meandered into town and headed for the Tobermory Distillery where they enjoyed a tour of the facility and some whisky tasting. Already in a celebratory mood, the Whisky Run attendees reconvened later in the evening at Macgochan’s Bar for cocktails and a festive dinner, after which, Nordhavn 51 owners Mark and Fiona Rammell, of Awanui NZ fame, received their well-earned 10,000 nm Distance Pennant. This was followed by the bittersweet news that longtime Nordhavn Europe director and sales manager Neil Russell, was winding down his duties to pursue his next chapter in life. 

After dinner, the party split up into two groups: those who wisely went back to their boats to retire for the evening, and those who kept the night going accompanying the band at a local Tobermory bar. 

Sunday morning was reserved for breakfast and goodbyes and laughs revisiting the past couple of days. Some of the participants caught flights back home, some departed in their boats on to the next adventure. Awanui NZ, Blue Magic and Suilven kept the Whisky Run going with a raft-up at Lochaline and enjoyed the afternoon with a BBQ and more of Fiona and Clare’s delicious scones! 

Whisky Run kicks off in Scotland

The inaugural Whisky Run officially got underway in Oban, Scotland, this morning with owners of 10 Nordhavns taking part, along with staff from Nordhavn’s UK and California offices. This summer’s roaming rendezvous visits two stops—Oban and Tobermory—and tests how Nordhavn’s roving rally concept can be adapted to different cruising regions around the world. The company has successfully employed the format in recent years with the Taco Run, where Nordhavn sales team members and technicians accompany a group of boats along a 1,000-nm route through the Sea of Cortez. (Current Nordhavn owners can sign up to join this November’s Taco Run by clicking here.)

Philip Roach, co-director at Nordhavn’s European (NEL) office based in Southampton, England, is excited for the future of the Whisky Run. “We are seeing more and more Nordhavns in the UK, both as the brand gains popularity on this side of the pond and especially as Nordhavn owners endeavor to cross oceans and explore Europe,” he said. “Beyond the camaraderie, owners get to know the NEL team and gain the reassurance of having a trusted resource in their corner.”

This year’s Whisky Run includes cocktail and dinner receptions, exploring the quaint coastal villages, a tour of a distillery in Tobermory, and lots of boat visits.

Eric Leishman, sales team lead based out of Nordhavn headquarters in Dana Point, CA, also organizes the Taco Runs. He is attending the Whisky Run to provide support and help the NEL team identify opportunities to expand the event’s scope in the future. “The best thing about the Taco Runs are seeing the great friendships that develop over the course of the two weeks, but also knowing owners of all experience levels will equally embrace the event,” he said. “There are owners who have been around the world in their boats and folks who have no offshore cruising experience. Between the Nordhavn support team’s expertise and the knowledge of the seasoned cruisers, there’s inevitably an answer for each and every question someone might have.

“Ultimately, these Nordhavn Run events are about giving owners the opportunity to enjoy cruising, build confidence and experience, have fun along the way, and have the reassurance of a support system behind them.”