Around the Cape by SIB...

[Keith Hart]

I'll 'float' this idea here and if it takes off it can be transferred to the 'upcoming cruises' section (thanks JK).

One for the more adventurous sibber this I think.

When the RIBnet team (Brian Elliott, Mike & Di Garside, Karen Hart and me) did the 'Round Britain 2003' and 'Great Orkney SIB Expedition' one of the highlights was going round the truly awesome Cape Wrath.

So my question is to all you sibbers, who would be interested in taking part in a 'Cape Wrath by SIB Expedition'?

My idea would be to launch at Kinlochbervie, round the cape and then land somewhere either at Durness or possibly Loch Eriboll, a distance of about 24 miles encompassing some of the most impressive and remote landscapes in the UK.

I envisage the following arrangements:

• 2 persons per SIB (for safety reasons)
• At least one large RIB as sea support
• Each team with a road crew to take the SIBs to Kinlochbervie and then go to Durness for the pick up
• A period of 1 week allocated to ensure a day with good weather

I am thinking that it is too late to get up and running for this year and also people would need plenty of notice to arrange the required holidays/time off, so I'm looking at 2010. This idea may well fall flat on it's face, but if you don't ask you'll never know.

So, is anyone interested?

Keith Hart

[mdt]

oh Cape Wrath... thank god for a second I was thinking you where on about Cape Horn. prehaps the year after eh.

I would be up for that next year (in a RIB) mind you it is a long tow up there.

I was up there last year and you are so right just a magical place if the weather is playing nice.

[John Kennett]

Keith, this sounds like a very foolish plan.

Put my name on the list!

[JSP]

Where can I buy a cheap SIB and engine. I wanna do this!

[Easyrider]

Blimey John-Dave will be pleased to hear youre going on proper adventures with your new toy-like the new boat do you? I see you didnt hang about changing your boat details on here

Back on topic, i would love to go on this trip, but dont think i could due to having a young family- ill decide nearer the time though.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Easyrider

i would love to go on this trip, but dont think i could due to having a young family

Because you wouldn't get the "time off" or because of the probability of not returning!

[Easyrider]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Because you wouldn't get the "time off" or because of the probability of not returning!

LOL-both

[sheldon6]

Originally Posted by JSP

Where can I buy a cheap SIB and engine. I wanna do this!

I'll swap you mine for your Rib!!!

[Brian]

Oh, no. Another "mad" plan by Keith.
Ah well, in for a penny, in for a pound I suppose.
Add my name to the list.

Err. Edit. As a support boat of course, far too frightened for anything else.

[PeteH]

Nice one Keith,i hope all goes well.Looking forward to the pics already.
Good Luck.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Easyrider

Blimey John-Dave will be pleased to hear youre going on proper adventures with your new toy-like the new boat do you?

Don't panic. There's plenty of time for me to find a compelling reason not to be able to go!

[Keith Hart]

All those years ago a casual question in RibNet led to me sitting my SIB in JoG harbour looking out into the Pentland Firth and thinking, "how the heck did I talk myself into this?"

Brian and JK pitched in right at the beginning and were there to see the adventure through. It is great to see them volunteering again. Also frightening of course as last time I speculated about a RIB trip it came true! If JK and Brian are involved it WILL happen.

So far then, if I have this right.

Support Boats:

• mdt with his 5m Humber
• Brian with his 8m Scorpion

SIBs:

• Moi - 3.4m Quicksilver, 15 hp Mariner
• JK - 3.8m Bombard, 25hp Mariner

Okay JK, time to shift the thread!

Keith (look what I've found) Hart

PS for the newer forum members it's the brackets...

[zodiacman]

Sounds a great idea, myself and my girlfriend would love to join you in our 4.2 zodiac futura with 25hp.could you please send approx time you are hoping to do it next year and then I can put it in my diary. We have had quite a lot of experience touring the western isles in our sib, next week we are setting off from Kinloch Hourn and following the coast up to Torridon via Sandaig islands, Crowlin isles, Applecross and Rona hopefully doing about 140 mile in the week weather permitting cheers Gary

[jambo]

Originally Posted by JSP

Where can I buy a cheap SIB and engine. I wanna do this!

John
we could always have a RIB one in support!
J

[Stoo]

I just looked at your route on Google Earth... I can borrow a SIB and would love to come! All I need to do is get there from the Great Lakes~

[GerryP]

Originally Posted by JSP

Where can I buy a cheap SIB and engine. I wanna do this!

.
What a great idea.
As for above - ex RNLI D Class sib on for sale section.
5.2m (too big??) AVON with 40hp 2st Mariner
SIB sea worthy, road tested by RNLI, still for sale!

[Keith Hart]

Okay then this is the plan for the planning bit!

I'll take my SIB over to Droman, just north along the coast from Kinlochbervie as according to the OS map (Explorer number 446) there is a pier at Port Chaligaig. I'll take a look at the launching facilities and any local camping and B&Bs.

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=Dro...nd,%20IV27%204

The only possible landfall in case of emergency between there and Balnakel Bay would appear to be Sandwood Bay which has good landing on the beach but no road access.

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=Dro...andwood%20bay|

I'll also check out the facilities at Balnakeil Bay.

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=Dro...nd,%20IV27%204

I'll also need to check out when there is any planned activity at the MOD range at Cape Wrath for 2010. We don't want to get in the way!

Zodiacman - date to be decided but I would like opinions from all those involved.

Keith Hart

[ickleric]

sounds good to me now all i need to do if buy a sib..