ORCA 3 Build Set To Begin
After acquiring materials for the boathouse, the ORCA 3 build is on schedule to begin May 1.
ORCA Lands In Lismore, Establishing Base and Buildsite
A journey by land and sea brings ORCA to the beautiful Isle of Lismore, Scotland, where preparations are underway to begin building ORCA 3. After convening with Niall, the Baron of Bachuil, and his wife Anita, a build site has been settled upon, along with a home base, pictured below. In the coming week, meetings with a naval architect and material acquisitions to house the boat will begin.
Pictured: Expedition base, Jim and Roy arrival to Lismore.
Full Circle Expedition Thanks Patron For Organising Build Site
ORCA extends sincere gratitude to the expedition patron, Niall, The Baron of Bachuil, and his wife Anita for their efforts in organising a buildsite at Bachuil, Lismore.
The well-located site will serve as homebase for the build of ORCA 3, to take place over 2026.
Expedition Crew Members Officially Introduced
The first five rowing crew signed on to the expedition have now been officially introduced, marking an important milestone — one step closer to completing crew recruitment and turning full attention toward the ORCA 3 build.
Remaining crew members currently in discussion will be introduced upon signing on.
Full Circle Conducts Sea Trial in Preparation for Lismore Voyage
Mid-April brings a rush of momentum to the Full Circle Expedition as Skipper Roy Finlay and First Mate Jim prepare the vessel Sighiri for her 500 nautical voyage to the Scottish Isle of Lismore. Along the way, they will be joined by rowing crew member Rob.
With initial preparations underway, a sea trial was conducted, successfully sailing the vessel to Cowes, Isle of Wight. The voyage to Lismore is expected to begin by April 15.
Greenpeace International Adopted As Associated Charity
ORCA will support Greenpeace International as the associated charity for the Full Circle Expedition.
First Voyage Set For April
Planning is now underway to sail our sea training vessel Sighiri 500 nautical miles from her current home port, Cowes, Isle of Wight, to the Isle of Lismore on the west coast of Scotland, home of our expedition patron The Baron of Bachuil, and our base and build site for the coming year.
The sail will commence early April. Onboard will be three ORCA 3 crew, Skipper Roy, First Mate Jim and crew Rob. We will be recording the two week voyage and posting regular updates on our website and social media.
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First Mate Appointed
After much deliberation and a preliminary visit from crew, discussing everything from build details to social dynamics, Skipper Roy Finlay has appointed a First Mate, who will also serve as Business Development and Logistics Director. The build is expected to take place throughout 2026 in expectation of the January 2027 start date.
