The evening is creeping in and we're moored in Lamlash Bay, bobbling gently on the water and eating strawberries and ice-cream. Seals periodically pop their heads above the water, and a few moments ago we saw a grey-blue porpoise swimming alongside us.
This is the life, and suddenly it's clear why millionaires choose to invest in luxury yachts and cruisers. My sister Louisa and I had the opportunity to set sail after an invite from Justin and Louise Adams, the owners of this £500,000 Sealine T50 craft. They launched LA Marine in July to provide catered day trips or longer chartered trips around the west coast of Scotland.
It is a sideline to their day jobs: Louise is a lawyer and Justin is a BBC director and producer (he directed Songs of Praise for 22 years). Their new boat, Louise of Granton, is pure James Bond glamour: all walnut wood and cream leather seating, with some mind-boggling gadgetry.
Our trip had departed from Largs in the early afternoon, travelling, by our special request, to Lamlash and Holy Isle. Sitting on the top deck, with the wind whipping our hair, was spectacular, especially when we were allowed to "drive". There are so many security devices on a motor yacht like this that even someone like me, who doesn't know their port from their starboard, can have a turn at being captain.
If you'd rather have a different view, the Louise of Granton doesn't only leave from here; you can request that she sail from any port on the west coast - or even pick you up from Glasgow.
We were supplied with everything we needed, or neglected to bring with us - like sunglasses, waterproofs and hand-warmers - and the Adamses are happy to take photographs for you all day. Lunch was a huge buffet served below deck. We also had elevenses and high tea - and champagne was practically on tap.
The idea is for passengers to feel as if this is their boat, so you are free to have a lie-down in one of the three luxury bedrooms if the sea air tires you out, or relax on deck with a book - or bark orders at the crew if you must. If you'd rather be entertained, Justin could have a sideline as a stand-up comedian, providing guests with a bit of repartee and warning us to watch out for basking sharks, as they can "suck you to death".
Arriving in Lamlash Bay, Louisa and I were able to take the rigid inflatable (RIB) out to Holy Isle while the yacht was anchored. We came ashore with walkie-talkies hissing static, probably startling the Buddhists somewhat. We'd had years of visiting Arran on family holidays, but had never quite made it across to Holy Isle, so this was quite a thrill.
After petting the wild horses' muzzles and admiring their three new foals who were basking in the sun, we had a wander around the retreat's gardens. Then after a quick lesson from Justin, each of us had a shot at driving the RIB at high speed back to the boat.
Docking at Largs later that evening, we reflected on what had been a fabulous day - an experience the Adamses feel that they provide exclusively in Scotland. Forget P-Diddy and Mariah Carey's jaunts around St Tropez, the west coast of Scotland is the place to find your sea legs.
For more information visit lamarine.co.uk or contact LA Marine using the details below.