The Crew

Aboard each cruise there will be two full time crew.

Skipper – James Fairbairns

Your skipper, James, was born on the Isle of Mull, and with his family grew up watching wildlife on the shores and in the waters that surround the island. His father setup both the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, and the first whale watching operation in the UK. Crewing onboard as a child he has spent more time floating around the Atlantic ocean than he has on dry land! James is well qualified, with various certificates, and sea tickets, to ensure your safety at sea, at all times.

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Crew – Erika Hearn

The second member of the onboard team is your incredibly enthusiastic and professianal guide, Erica Hearn. She also has many years experience, not only with whales and dolphins, but also with birds, flaura and fauna, local history and even shells! She will be with you throughout your trip and brings her knowledge and experience of wildlife with her.

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Crew – Iain Malcolm

Iain spent his first couple of seasons always asking us if he could ’help’ us with anything from painting to cleaning, varnishing to crewing, and at the age of 15! Although 2005 was his first season as full time crew Iain has more than proved himself to be an invaluable member of the team.

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Relief Skipper – Richard Fairbairns

Richard has spent more than the last two decades monitoring and researching whales and dolphins from the Isle of Mull. He has a vast amount of knowledge about marine life and their habitats. He was originally a sea fisherman before setting up the first whale watching operation in the UK (Sea Life Surveys). Its always a joy to have him & his spirit onboard, oh, and he loves fresh coffee!

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Relief Skipper – Brennen Fairbairns

James’s brother and fellow director Brennen will occasionally skipper on Alpha Beta. With 7 years in the Merchant Navy and 8 years running trips from Mull he is more than qualified to run these trips. Bren has a natural instinct about finding whales and other marine wildlife on a regular basis, its a challenge to find the first whale!

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All of the crew are first aiders and appreciate a good fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning!! (No hints there!)