News
Scapa Flow Centenary: The Insiders’ Perspective
CJ interviewed Rachael, Adrien and Ethan, who have worked this dive season with Scapa Scuba in Scapa Flow, 100 years after the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet. CJ asked them to reflect on their year while on the ferry ride home.
CJ: Here we are after a great week of diving in Scapa Flow. It’s the centenary year and we had a great time on the boat visiting our friends Adrien and Rachael, instructors at Scapa Scuba, and Ethan, who completed his dive master training at Scapa Scuba this season. Since they have been resident and working in Scapa Flow for the entire centenary year, we thought we would get their perspective on how the anniversary year has gone.
CJ: How long have you been diving in Scapa Flow?
Rachael and Adrien: Two years for us.
Ethan: This season, and four times previously.
CJ: There are loads of really cool sites to dive in Scapa Flow, but what is your favourite, and why?
Adrien: I’d have to say the Markgraf, one of the battleships up here. It is still in really good condition, the bow and the stern are completely intact so they are quite a sight to see.
Rachael: The Cöln, one of the light cruisers. It’s the most intact of the light cruisers and has a really awesome swim-through.
CJ: I have to say I love that swim through, it’s probably my favourite bit as well.
Ethan: The König for me, because you can see all of the technical stuff inside of it. It feels like a twisted metal reef the way it’s been blown up and warped, so it feels more like something you would see in a tropical reef and it’s quite nice.
CJ: This year is a very special one, with it being the centenary. How was it being here for the year?
Adrien: It wasn’t much different for us as a dive centre; we still had the same routines. I think for the charter boats it was quite busy though.
Rachael: It was nice to be part of all the celebrations that went on, and there were a lot of talks on the anniversary.
CJ: How about you Ethan, were you too busy with your divemaster training to enjoy it?
Ethan: No, I thought it was really good. Of course we’re here for such a long time and getting to go to all of the conferences and exhibitions it really nails home why you do this, and the real history of the place.
CJ: Did you get to do anything special on the centenary? Any particular talks or exhibitions that you enjoyed?
Adrien: We went to the final conference, it was very interesting.
Rachael: It was really good!
Adrien: There were the Royal Navy and German Navy bands playing musical pieces, a documentary and a German historian talking about the scuttling, it was really interesting.
Rachael: The German Admiral was there, it was really special, Adrien even got to sit next to the grandson of Sir Fremantle.
Adrien: He was a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy and Commander of the 1st Battle Squadron, he oversaw the interned German High Seas Fleet at the time of the scuttling. And at the event his grandson was sitting right there beside me.
CJ: We have heard that Scapa Scuba is closing after this season, will you still be up here next year?
Adrien and Rachael: Yes, we’ll stay here, but do something different.
CJ: There are dive professionals up here so presumably there will still be lots of diving.
Rachael: For sure.
CJ: Ethan, how does it feel to have been a DM here in the final season?
Ethan: It’s been fun, it’s been amazing really!
CJ: In the dive briefings you always look at the guide books with the multi-beam scan images to get an idea of what to expect and to help plan the dives, it is quite different down there, there has been deterioration on the wrecks. I have noticed from 2 years ago, when we last dived here, to this season there is a bit more damage, wrecks have deteriorated with winter storms. Given that this is just going to continue, do you think the wrecks will maintain their character and still be interesting as they degrade?
Rachael & Adrien: I think so. Yes, I’m sure.
Adrien: It’ll open up new areas of the ships as they break down, you will be able to see some of the insides that are not easily accessible.
Rachael: Take the Karlsruhe, it’s broken up, but there’s lots of features that you can see that you couldn’t if it was intact.
CJ: That’s a very nice point, so do you think the wrecks will continue to draw scuba divers here for the next 100 years?
Adrien: Oh yes, for sure!
Rachael: Yes I think so!
CJ: Theres is always going to be something cool about the big battleships isn’t there?
Adrien: The battleships are strongly built, they will be intact for a long time, they’ll still be there for the next 100 years.
Rachael: The König is now a reef system, it attracts so much life, which is another good aspect of the wrecks.
CJ: What has been your favourite experience this year?
Adrien: At the end of the season we were diving with some more experienced divers and got to do some different dives. I got to do the Markgraf and go to the bow, it’s one of the best sites in Scapa Flow.
Rachael: For me it was at the beginning of the season, I was guiding this 73 years old man and on his very last day, we dived the F2 and had a seal with us for the whole dive swimming round us. It was really special, and it was really special for him.
Ethan: Towards the end of the season I was lucky enough to go onto the bow of the Markgraf, to look up at that colossal structure, it was an amazing experience.
CJ: Fantastic, I think that’s about it, except can I come diving with you again next year?
Rachael & Adrien: (Laughing) Yes!
CJ: Woo, awesome! Well, thank you guys for chatting with me.
You can watch the full video (with some ferry noise in the background) HERE and follow more of CJ and Mike’s diving adventures at www.bimbleintheblue.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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