2012 Report - Up the sound of Mull, to Tobermory and Salen in Loch Sunart
We counted 33 Ribs tied up inside Easdale Harbour with a further 7 outside in
the Sound on moorings. RIBs joined us for the day from other locations. What a
weekend. The sun blazed in the sky, the winds died to a virtual calm. For those
of us privileged to live in this area we knew this would be a rare opportunity
and set plans would just go out of the window. This was in sharp contrast to the
Friday when a stiff northerly wind, predicted at Force 4 but certainly a point
higher, blew relentlessly.
Friday afternoon was launch time and a quick shake down spin. Get the tent
up, lower the caravan legs or settle in to rented accommodation. With the RIB
tied up in Easdale Harbour most retired to The Oyster Bar to catch up with old
friends or meet new ones.
Saturday dawned and many realised the potential of the day. 0930 was the
agreed start time and many RIBs were up and running well before. The event is
‘fairly relaxed’ RIBs tend to group up. Many stick to the organised plan but
others do their own thing. Salen, Loch Sunart was the first destination but many
RIBs peeled off to Tobermory. Whilst the seas were calm the air temperature was
cold so a coffee stop was required. Then the first ‘split’
Some headed up to Salen others just headed on to circumnavigate Mull. The new
pontoons at Salen Loch Sunart are superb. The scenery is stunning and we would
recommend Salen to anyone taking their RIB on holiday. A navigational challenge
had been set but I am only aware of 3 who completed the detour to Loch Teacuis
described in the Clyde Cruising Club handbook as a ‘difficult passage amongst
rocks.
Those who circumnavigated Mull called at places such as Calgary Bay, Staffa
(Fingal’s Cave) and Iona. Circumnavigating Mull is over 100 nautical miles so
many headed for fuel before returning to Easdale and a ‘Best of the West’ BBQ at
The Puffer Bar. Rock band String Driven played in the Easdale Community
Hall.
Sunday’s weather was even better. One technical hitch. It was Spring Tides.
Easdale’s Harbour dries but this year everyone took heed of the advice about
clearing the harbour. No one dried out! Some who had missed out on Iona the
previous day headed west, others joined the boats out at The Garvellachs, NW
Jura and The Corryvreckan.
Enjoy the pictures and video compilation, thanks to all who send photos
Our thanks to all those who helped with the event from the launch team to the
webman, Easdale’s ‘Sound’ man at the concert to those who staff the Bar. The
Council to the Seafari staff. The ferrymen at Cuan who assisted with launching
of larger RIBs and trailer storage to Easdale’s ferrymen working overtime and
throughout their breaks taking people to their boats and generally assisting in
organising the harbours. Particular mention to Eilean Eisdeal who allow us to
use their harbourfree of charge and the people of Easdale who welcome everyone.
The local community looks forward to and enjoys the weekend.
You don’t just have to come to Easdale for the RIB Rendezvous, you are
welcome throughout the year, bring your boat, it’s what the harbour is for.
The Easdale RIB Rendezvous team
the Sound on moorings. RIBs joined us for the day from other locations. What a
weekend. The sun blazed in the sky, the winds died to a virtual calm. For those
of us privileged to live in this area we knew this would be a rare opportunity
and set plans would just go out of the window. This was in sharp contrast to the
Friday when a stiff northerly wind, predicted at Force 4 but certainly a point
higher, blew relentlessly.
Friday afternoon was launch time and a quick shake down spin. Get the tent
up, lower the caravan legs or settle in to rented accommodation. With the RIB
tied up in Easdale Harbour most retired to The Oyster Bar to catch up with old
friends or meet new ones.
Saturday dawned and many realised the potential of the day. 0930 was the
agreed start time and many RIBs were up and running well before. The event is
‘fairly relaxed’ RIBs tend to group up. Many stick to the organised plan but
others do their own thing. Salen, Loch Sunart was the first destination but many
RIBs peeled off to Tobermory. Whilst the seas were calm the air temperature was
cold so a coffee stop was required. Then the first ‘split’
Some headed up to Salen others just headed on to circumnavigate Mull. The new
pontoons at Salen Loch Sunart are superb. The scenery is stunning and we would
recommend Salen to anyone taking their RIB on holiday. A navigational challenge
had been set but I am only aware of 3 who completed the detour to Loch Teacuis
described in the Clyde Cruising Club handbook as a ‘difficult passage amongst
rocks.
Those who circumnavigated Mull called at places such as Calgary Bay, Staffa
(Fingal’s Cave) and Iona. Circumnavigating Mull is over 100 nautical miles so
many headed for fuel before returning to Easdale and a ‘Best of the West’ BBQ at
The Puffer Bar. Rock band String Driven played in the Easdale Community
Hall.
Sunday’s weather was even better. One technical hitch. It was Spring Tides.
Easdale’s Harbour dries but this year everyone took heed of the advice about
clearing the harbour. No one dried out! Some who had missed out on Iona the
previous day headed west, others joined the boats out at The Garvellachs, NW
Jura and The Corryvreckan.
Enjoy the pictures and video compilation, thanks to all who send photos
Our thanks to all those who helped with the event from the launch team to the
webman, Easdale’s ‘Sound’ man at the concert to those who staff the Bar. The
Council to the Seafari staff. The ferrymen at Cuan who assisted with launching
of larger RIBs and trailer storage to Easdale’s ferrymen working overtime and
throughout their breaks taking people to their boats and generally assisting in
organising the harbours. Particular mention to Eilean Eisdeal who allow us to
use their harbourfree of charge and the people of Easdale who welcome everyone.
The local community looks forward to and enjoys the weekend.
You don’t just have to come to Easdale for the RIB Rendezvous, you are
welcome throughout the year, bring your boat, it’s what the harbour is for.
The Easdale RIB Rendezvous team
