Easdale RIB Redezvous 2019
Given the weather forecast the route was altered due to the forecast winds. The Treshnish Isles are exposed on the west side of Mull. The wind forecast was W/NW F5 to F6. Shelter was sought and Jura is a big land mass.
Saturday
Around 40 RIBs departed Easdale on a bright brisk morning heading for Craighouse. One of the objectives of ERR is to demonstrate the range of options available to the RIB. En route we called into but did not land at Kinnuchrad and Ardlussa. All are easy landing spots if you know where to tie up. Jura is a vast island approximately 30 miles long, home to around 5,000 red deer. It has a human population of around 200 and one fine malt whisky distillery. Our first stop was Craighouse and the distillery. Craighouse also has the Jura Hotel and The Antler Restaurant.
There was some debate as to where to next. The majority headed across the Sound of Islay to Ardbeg distillery. Perhaps a bit of a lengthy run but guaranteed safe mooring alongside the pier and ‘the best distillery food on Islay’ it made sense given the conditions. Laphroaig and Lagavullin distilleries are close by. Should anyone have experienced any issues then we could have been assisted by our friends at Islay Sea Safari.
Other decided to head to Port Askaig with the intention of heading up the west side of Jura visiting Loch Tarbert on the way home. Many who took this option concluded that Port Askaig was far enough given the conditions and retraced their route to Craighouse. Of those who pressed on the agreement was that it was ‘lumpier than expected’
The main group suitably refreshed returned to Easdale. The secret was to follow the coastline keeping to within 50m of the shore for a significantly calmer passage. Those taking the direct route eventually came to the same conclusion.
Sunday
The wind continued out of the north. For the past 3 years we had intended to head to the south shore of Mull for the second day. It could now happen. The first stop was Carsaig, an old herring fishing station. Although the pier is now rather broken and the entrance obscured Carsaig provides great shelter. Carsaig was also the focal point for the film I know where I am going, a post war classic. Watch on a winter’s night infront of the fire with a bottle of red wine.
From Carsaig many tracked slightly west to view Carsaig Arches before the main group headed to Loch Buie. Local knowledge and there is a small pier where everyone could get off but it is not somewhere for the larger RIBs to tie up. One has to watch out for a number of rocks and a prominent shelf halfway down the pier. Once ashore everyone headed to the honesty café. No staff to take your order, Coffee, cakes and goods left out. Its help yourself and put your money in the tin by the door. Most then walked to the castle across the bay. An enjoyable walk.
Most returned to Easdale by 1500. With a rising tide recovery of RIBs went smoothly.
We look forwards to welcoming friends old and new at ERR 2020 – destination Erraid
Given the weather forecast the route was altered due to the forecast winds. The Treshnish Isles are exposed on the west side of Mull. The wind forecast was W/NW F5 to F6. Shelter was sought and Jura is a big land mass.
Saturday
Around 40 RIBs departed Easdale on a bright brisk morning heading for Craighouse. One of the objectives of ERR is to demonstrate the range of options available to the RIB. En route we called into but did not land at Kinnuchrad and Ardlussa. All are easy landing spots if you know where to tie up. Jura is a vast island approximately 30 miles long, home to around 5,000 red deer. It has a human population of around 200 and one fine malt whisky distillery. Our first stop was Craighouse and the distillery. Craighouse also has the Jura Hotel and The Antler Restaurant.
There was some debate as to where to next. The majority headed across the Sound of Islay to Ardbeg distillery. Perhaps a bit of a lengthy run but guaranteed safe mooring alongside the pier and ‘the best distillery food on Islay’ it made sense given the conditions. Laphroaig and Lagavullin distilleries are close by. Should anyone have experienced any issues then we could have been assisted by our friends at Islay Sea Safari.
Other decided to head to Port Askaig with the intention of heading up the west side of Jura visiting Loch Tarbert on the way home. Many who took this option concluded that Port Askaig was far enough given the conditions and retraced their route to Craighouse. Of those who pressed on the agreement was that it was ‘lumpier than expected’
The main group suitably refreshed returned to Easdale. The secret was to follow the coastline keeping to within 50m of the shore for a significantly calmer passage. Those taking the direct route eventually came to the same conclusion.
Sunday
The wind continued out of the north. For the past 3 years we had intended to head to the south shore of Mull for the second day. It could now happen. The first stop was Carsaig, an old herring fishing station. Although the pier is now rather broken and the entrance obscured Carsaig provides great shelter. Carsaig was also the focal point for the film I know where I am going, a post war classic. Watch on a winter’s night infront of the fire with a bottle of red wine.
From Carsaig many tracked slightly west to view Carsaig Arches before the main group headed to Loch Buie. Local knowledge and there is a small pier where everyone could get off but it is not somewhere for the larger RIBs to tie up. One has to watch out for a number of rocks and a prominent shelf halfway down the pier. Once ashore everyone headed to the honesty café. No staff to take your order, Coffee, cakes and goods left out. Its help yourself and put your money in the tin by the door. Most then walked to the castle across the bay. An enjoyable walk.
Most returned to Easdale by 1500. With a rising tide recovery of RIBs went smoothly.
We look forwards to welcoming friends old and new at ERR 2020 – destination Erraid
