Easdale RIB Rendezvous 2023

[Easedalenovice]

The first day of the event was lovely and excellent Organisation. The weather was I would say good

Here is a video from Saturday

https://youtu.be/rxqx0WPZWPc

[mhill]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

The first day of the event was lovely and excellent Organisation. The weather was I would say good

Here is a video from Saturday

https://youtu.be/rxqx0WPZWPc

I’ll take a look later but some one else from Essex!!

[69cmw]

The plumb returns [emoji41]

[Easedalenovice]

Originally Posted by 69cmw

The plumb returns [emoji41]

Just thought some people on here might be interested in a video of the event. But if not fine with me…….. As always your choice

Did you attend the event. ?

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

Did you attend the event. ?

Unfortunately not, I’m still stuck offshore.
That accommodation you had looked a good location [emoji108]

[Honestman]

I'd like to just pass on my thanks to Douglas, Tony, and all at Seafari for their help and organisation over the weekend.

Fortunately for me as a relative novice skipper, I had a complete novice as a deckhand. But like most of boating you work your way through the issues you can and pray that there's somebody with an ounce of knowledge close to you on the ones you can't.

We departed later from Tayvallich than hoped due to a delay in launching. Although a late high tide could be blamed, my ham-fisted efforts at repairing a patch was probably the bigger issue.

Jura was the island of choice for lunch. We headed up the reasonably calm Loch Sween and into the Sound where visibility was limited and in little time we could see no land around us- God bless the GPS. Small anxieties over this and a particularly lumpy crossing descended into panic mode as we began to lose power going towards the southern entrance to Craighouse. A quick check of the fuel filter, a bleeding of the engine and a phone call to the mechanic couldn't put the finger on the issue. Some helpful samaritans with some Redbay merch and driving what can only be described as Batman's RIB stopped to offer help and reassurance. Thanks Adam, Chris, Simon et al.

With a hearty lunch and a pint of the local brew inside us we pressed on in search of Easdale Island. After a brief stop for some fun with the local dolphin pod we headed north between Scarba and Luing at a steady 23 knots in calm seas and sunny spells, arriving at Easdale at 5:30.

Saturday morning broke with the hangover from hell, and a cooker in the cottage that I struggled to work. Seeing so many boats in the bay was quite a sight, and slightly atmospheric with the piper. The crossing to Duart Castle was certainly some of the most challenging seas that I've driven in and so when we arrived at Tobermory a wee break and a check on the boat was the order of the day. We decided to let the others head to Coll, and after some yummy hot chocolate and a traybake the size of your propeller, we headed back to Easdale via Oban and the Sound of Kerrara (thanks for the advice from the family in the Humber). This was a pleasant run back and the deckhand took over the helm in the calmer water- I think he's hooked.

Time constraints meant we couldn't join the main group on Sunday, and best laid plans of places to visit were quickly abandoned as we headed off into the gloom and rain. The Cuan Sound and Loch Etive offered some much needed shelter. We were 196 litres for the trip.

Many thanks to the many friendly and helpful people we met over the weekend, it's much appreciated. And I hope Douglas was sober enough on Friday night to remember I gave him the £20 for the mooring. Nice kilt btw.

[The Gurnard]

I too wish to thank Douglas and Tony, not only for organizing the meeting but for giving me the opportunity to video it.

I have been working flat out editing hours of footage into a half hour film of the event as seen through my eyes.

Yes..the Lismore tide race was challenging but on the other hand, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool was a pussy cat. They say in Scotland ..if you dont like the weather ..wait an hour and it will change. We enjoyed flat calm seas and sun, windy tide races, and mixed seas with pouring rain ..and I wasnt complaining..it was perfect for the video work.

We saw not only dolphins but whales ..and many other sights ... but I dont want to give the highlights away as you will see it all in the video which Im hoping to get finished for the start of next week so do check around then as I will post it here.

As there are few photos of the event posted yet.. here are a few still shots to wet your appetite. It was a truly fantastic weekend. Hope others will also post some of their photos and videos too.

[GeoffW]

Honestman

I was and yes your £20 delivered to the Trust. , good amount raised for harbour upkeep. Thank you

[GeoffW]

May I add my thanks to all who attended which made for a fun filled weekend.

Great team effort .

My thanks to ……

Tony and team Seafari for all the work and inspiration for ERR.

To A&BC ferry crews on Easdale for much ferrying .

Donny Wilcox for his dedicated filming and long hours in editing.

James Booth for his drone piloting . Innes McQueen our piper.

Harbour Master Tobermory for accommodating us in large nos foc.

Puffer Bar Oyster Bar
MacGochans and Coll Hotel for hospitality

Seumas and Freddy for “acting up”

For assistance and services rendered over weekend and since. With much thanks to. Stornoway Coastguard and Tiree CG . Crew of HMS Severn Royal Navy . Billy Byfield on Tiree and Tiree Sea Tours for kind assistance.

Also a shout out to Lochinver lifeboat for putting in a dramatic and impressive appearance

I hope I have thanked everyone who gave of time and effort .

For the diary. ERR 24. Will be 4/5 May

Douglas

[mhill]

Originally Posted by GeoffW

May I add my thanks to all who attended which made for a fun filled weekend.

Great team effort .

My thanks to ……

Tony and team Seafari for all the work and inspiration for ERR.

To A&BC ferry crews on Easdale for much ferrying .

Donny Wilcox for his dedicated filming and long hours in editing.

James Booth for his drone piloting . Innes McQueen our piper.

Harbour Master Tobermory for accommodating us in large nos foc.

Puffer Bar Oyster Bar
MacGochans and Coll Hotel for hospitality

Seumas and Freddy for “acting up”

For assistance and services rendered over weekend and since. With much thanks to. Stornoway Coastguard and Tiree CG . Crew of HMS Severn Royal Navy . Billy Byfield on Tiree and Tiree Sea Tours for kind assistance.

Also a shout out to Lochinver lifeboat for putting in a dramatic and impressive appearance

I hope I have thanked everyone who gave of time and effort .

For the diary. ERR 24. Will be 4/5 May

Douglas

HMS Seven, what did they do?

[The Gurnard]

I was suffering insomnia last night so got up and finished the Easdale RIB Rendezvous video as seen through both my cameras and James Booths drone. I think the final video captures the mood of the weekend well ..and hope all who attended will agree.

I would like to thank the man of many names for the interview too ..he really is a character and I thoroughly enjoyed our meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IczZGrDwWb4

My thanks once again to Douglas as this video would not have been made if it were not for him. And also to Tony for his part in organizing it all

Lastly .. from a personal point.. I wish to thank Neil and Amanda for putting me up in their house on Easdale for the event duration. It was much appreciated

Thanks for watching

Best regards
DonnyW ..aka The gurnard

[GeoffW]

Apologies

Tech glitch with format. Hope to resolve in a day or two

[The Gurnard]

video back on line at this new link.. enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbzqUwByZcI

best regards DonnyW

[Easedalenovice]

Excellent video Donny. It captures the event very well. I know not who it was you interviewed in Tobermory but I am very sure he was honoured to meet you and appear in one of your videos. As ever you are an inspiration to all those who like boating in either big or small craft

[neil.mccrirrick]

You’re very welcome Donny pleasure to have you. Top video as always, stunning and a fabulous showing of the west coast.

West is best [emoji1][emoji106]

[Easedalenovice]

I was wondering if you have any dates for 2024 assuming it will be happening ?

Thanks in advance

[mhill]

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

I was wondering if you have any dates for 2024 assuming it will be happening ?

Thanks in advance

We have Sunnybrae booked for the 1st weekend in May so hopefully its that weekend

[GeoffW]

Yes. All set for weekend of 4/5 May 24.

Guys have had a preliminary meeting at Easdale Stone skim and have plans in hand.

Details to follow , but given increased interest and numbers we plan to make some changes to format to keep event fresh and evolving. More focus on a Saturday evening get together .
A new website is in hand to pull together social media and information.

More details to follow over next few months as plans and format are finalised.

Cheers

[jeffstevens763@g]

Is there any camping nearby for the event.

[mhill]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Is there any camping nearby for the event.

Tents ive no idea, don't recall seeing anything locally.
Vans etc can use the car park in Ellenabeich for a fee but no facilities. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dp3oUite2Yc3pwdm6