Alba Sailing yacht charter company in Scotland sold

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has facilitated the sale of Alba Sailing, a long-established yacht charter company based in Dunbeg, Scotland.

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.

Operating for over 40 years from its premises at Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban, Alba Sailing has been a leading provider of both bareboat and skippered yacht charters in Scotland. The business offers a wide choice of yachts for charter, boating equipment and additional services. 

In addition to its charter operations, Alba Sailing includes a chandlery store supplying boating equipment, equipment hire, and laundry services for charter clients. The company also operates a dedicated workshop for yacht maintenance and repairs. Its marina fleet consists of 11 yachts, with six owned by Alba Sailing and five of which are managed.

The business has been owned and operated by David and Julie Banks, who are now retiring. They comment: “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 who handled the sale, says: “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.”

Alba Sailing was sold for an undisclosed price.