Scapa Flow Liveaboard Charter

M. V. Invincible

Sat 28 May to Sat 4 June 2011

Spend a week diving the historic wrecks of Scapa Flow from the Orkneys largest live-aboard dive boat M.V. Invincible. Situated on the North East coast of Scotland, Scapa Flow is a large sheltered natural harbour and the resting place to seven warships of the German High Seas Fleet scuttled on the orders of Admiral Von Reuter at the end of WW1 - June 21, 1919 and later joined by numerous blockships during WWII. Scapa is the UK’s premier wreck diving location and one of the Top 10 wreck diving locations in the world - a must for all metal enthusiasts!

With easy access via its own gang way, Invincible is moored at the South Pier in Stromness Harbour, opposite the NorthLink Ferry Terminal. Over 25 meters long, Invincible is licensed to carry 12 passengers and two crew, she has an enormous open dive deck with gear benches running down either side of the boat. Invincible is fully equipped to provide air & Nitrox fills onboard and between dives to 350br and also has a large diver lift, capable of lifting two divers out of the water at the same time. There is a covered deck area at the bow which is ideal for drying suits and sorting gear boxes. The bridge is full of state-of-the-art electronics and there are three oxygen kits, strategically positioned around the boat for safety.

For comfort, the Invincible has 240 volt power supply throughout, full central heating, hot & cold running water, two shower rooms with toilets. For relaxation, there’s an on-board bar, that’s right - our very own pub for the week, stocked with Orkney Ales,

a range of optics, soft drinks and a large plasma TV and DVD player.

The galley is equipped with a gas oven & hob, fridge freezer, microwave and toaster which we are welcome to use to self-cater evening meals on a ‘leave it as you find it' basis. Next to the galley is a dining area with soft furnishings where you can make a tea or coffee for yourself, throughout the day.

To reserve a place, speak to Roger at the club.

Any questions - call Ken Powell on 07989 387792 email kennygt3@yahoo.co.uk

Wrecks are the main feature of this trip, although there are spectacular reefs and scenic drift dives here too. A ‘typical’ dive schedule for the week looks like this, subject to conditions and experience. It is possible to do more dives at extra cost.

Minimum diver qualification is PADI Advance Open Water, the ability to deploy

an SMB and previous UK boat diving experience. Having PADI Nitrox and Deep Specialities will help you get the most out of this trip, so will ensuring you are well ‘dived-up’ beforehand.

Full UK dive kit is essential, including dry suit, DSMB, reel and torch. If you plan to dive on a single cylinder, I would recommend using a 15L and carrying a pony as a redundant air supply. You can hire cylinders on-board, 12L twin-set with manifold is £50 a week, 15L cylinder is £30 a week, and a 3L pony is £25 a week. Weights are available FOC, if you lose them you have to replace them or pay £5 per kilo.

 ‘Hotel Invincible’ has six twin berth cabins. Pillows are provided but you must BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG & TOWELS as these are NOT provided.

What’s included

• 6 days diving, Sunday to Friday 2 dives each day – 12 dives in total
• Air fills for each dive
• On-board accommodation, sharing twin berth cabins
• Continental breakfast on the way out to the first dive
• Full-Scottish fry-up when you’re back on-board
• Home-made soup after the second dive
• Drinks: tea, coffee & hot chocolate

The cost is £430 pp to club members or £450 to non members - a non refundable deposit of £125 per person is required to secure a place. Full payment  28 Feb 2011.

Getting there - By car, this the most economic, it takes around 13.5 hrs to drive to Scrabster to catch the NorthLink Ferry to Stromness for the 1.5 hr crossing. By train, the Caledonian Sleeper leaves Euston Friday evening and arives Inverness early Saturday morning - you can get to Scrabster by bus or train to catch the NorthLink Ferry - relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. By plane, BA, Flybe & EasyJet all service from various London Airports to Scotland where you need to transfer to the Orkney Islands service to Kirkwall, operated by Loganaire and Flybe, the journey can take under 4 hrs - a bus service gets you to Kirkwall town, change for Stromness.

To reserve a place, speak to Roger at the club.