The 2019 Event - 3rd-5th May
Proposed Route: Iona and the Treshnish Isles
** Report to come **
2018 Event
Saturday 5th May Easdale to Oronsay South of Colonsay via the Gulf of Corryvreckan.
Sunday 6th May Easdale to Loch Buie (Mull) and Carsaig
Event Timetable - Friday 4th May 2018
For those arriving ‘early’ take a short shakedown cruise to some of the local islands. Meet Easdale Postcode PA34 4TB. This postcode takes you to the mainland harbour. RIBs to around 6.5m. Please organise your boat ready to launch before accessing the beach. Once launched do not tie to the ferry slip, use the beach, the pier end wall or better still, head to the harbour at Easdale Island 200m away. A member of the ERR team should be on hand to assist and guide you. Parking is available and you will be directed to the car park allocated.
The Oyster Bar. Meals available (1800 – 2100).
The Puffer Bar Easdale Island Meals available 1800 – 2100.
Booking advised at both.
Saturday 5th May 2018
Day Cruise to/around Oronsay/Colonsay followed by Rendezvous Supper at The Puffer Bar and Restaurant, Easdale Island. (Late ferries back to ‘The Mainland’ 3 min crossing) Early morning launching for those not able to arrive Friday you can probably launch at Cuan from around 0830. For those wishing to cruise in company and in the interests of safety we are suggesting RIBs should be grouped (min 3 RIBs) prior to departure.
CHANGE TO VHF SAFETY PROCEDURE – The Seafari Office no longer listens in on Channel 77 or 16. We suggest the following – the Seafari cabin RIB will be listening in to both Channel 16 and 77. Participants wishing to check in/out should do so with Stornoway Coastguard who have been informed of the change. If you need assistance just shout on Channel 77 and hopefully someone on ERR will hear you. You can always telephone Seafari Ticket Office 01852 300003 and they will contact our boats.
An Outing to Oronsay
Subject to weather, the intention is to head south west from Easdale down sound of Luing, through the Corryvreckan and across to Oronsay. Some may stop in Scalasaig Colonsay for a coffee. Certainly some will complete a circumnavigation of Oronsay and Colonsay, others may swap this for the attractions of the Hotels, coffee shops and whisky distilleries of the Sound of Islay. Always keen to set a challenge, this year it’s another navigational around the southern tip of Oronsay to the bay overlooked by the Priory. Get the chart out – Mind those rocks..
Oronsay should have been part of the original ERR. The island is an RSPB reserve so care not to disturb the wildlife will be needed. The beaches are stunning, you could be in the Caribbean except the water is colder. There is the Priory and all its stone carvings. Need a treat to take home – buy a jar of Colonsay honey.
For further information on Colonsay and Oronsay check out www.colonsay.org.uk
Oronsay features under things to do but to avoid the confusion we outsiders refer to Oronsay. The locals prefer Oransay. Either does. This site is full of information.
For those with a need for high adventure. Once you are at Colonsay you are only 14 miles from Dubh Aartach Lighthouse. Within NLB Dubh Aartach is considered one of their most difficult lighthouses to access. My experiences diving out there are limited but note, you are a long way from home by this stage.
Choices for ‘supplies and sustenance’ Scalasaig and The Colonsay Hotel, The Pantry café and fuel –or continue south keeping Jura to your left, halfway down the Sound of Islay Port Askaig is on your right. Again food, shop, fuel. A circumnavigation is around 60 miles so bring plenty of fuel and a spare can.
Evening
The Oyster Bar. Meals available (1800 – 2100). The Puffer Bar Easdale Island Meals available (1800 – 2100).
Booking advised at both.
SUNDAY 6th May 2018
A more relaxed day. A short crossing to Loch Buie on Mull with a landing here possible then on to Carsaig, the old herring port.
For the geologist in you visit Carsaig Arches. An approach by boat eliminates a 3 mile difficult walk. For the romantic in you Loch Buie and Carsaig were the setting for the classic 1950’s Michael Powell film “I know where I’m going”. On a windy night settle infront of the fire with a bottle of red wine.
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PLEASE NOTE CHANGES TO
COASTGUARD AREAS. Clyde has now closed. All VHF traffic from the northernmost point of Jura (including the Corryvreckan heading north is now STORNOWAY Coastguard. All VHF traffic from the north tip of Jura southwards is BELFAST Coastguard. |
TIDE TIMES: To Come
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