RIB Event weekend 30th April/1st May

[NickB]

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The weekend 30th April/1st May 2011 Seafari intend to hold the Easdale RIB Rendezvous (RIB – Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat). The proposal is to gather at Easdale during the afternoon/evening of 29th April. Eilean Eisdeal have offered all participants free use of the harbour. The Oyster Bar will act as the gathering point for information and Seafari Adventures have agreed to act as the communications centre.

We are unsure of the response by boaters both local or from further afield but we wish to inform the community of the proposed event. We accept any event however well managed brings disruption but we wish to reassure everyone that every effort is being made to keep this to a minimum. We envisage most visiting boats arriving by road.. We expect the size of RIB taking part to be around 6m and suitable for 4 persons. RIBs the size as operated by Seafari are suitable for 14 persons and will dwarf those arriving by road.

Contact has been made with local community groups, A&B Council, the local ferrymen, PC Jeremy Moore and HM Coastguard. It is the intention to assist visiting boat owners with specifics such as parking and launching.

The spin offs to the area we hope will include:

1. Promotion of the area as a tourism destination worthy of a long term stay.
2. Increased business for accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants and Balvicar Stores in what is generally a quieter period
3. Some may visit the other local tourist attractions..
4. Some may stay for a week or return for longer stays in future years.

We cannot guarantee the weather but if the weather is favourable the intention is to head to Colonsay on the Saturday. On Sunday there would be an inter island ‘cruise’.

[NickB]

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An event website is now available.