On Saturday 29th September 2002, Redbay Boats was a hive of activity as numerous Redbay Stormforce RIB owners and crew prepared for their 3rd annual 'Rib Cruise’ to Ardbeg Distillery, Islay. Ardbeg is situated about 5 miles from Port Ellen and the distillery includes an excellent restaurant and visitor centre.

The day began with a briefing in Redbay Boats where the helmsmen were given charts of the area and the ‘rules of the road’ for the day. At around 10.45am, 27 Stormforce RIBs departed Redbay bound for Islay, 36 miles away. A course was set along the shore to Torr Head and across to Ardbeg. Conditions were perfect (better than had been anticipated), and visibility was excellent as the multi coloured flotilla made its way along the coast providing a spectacular show for the participants and ‘on lookers’ alike.

The fleet was led by two 11 metres, Corryvreckan and Caledonia, the latest addition to the Red Bay fleet, and along the way the Redbay family was increased as boats from Portrush, Ballycastle and Rathlin joined the fleet.

As we neared Islay, the fleet was further increased by our Scottish contingent bring the total to 39 boats comprising of 160 adults and 15 children. The procession of Ribs then made their way through the rocky channel to tie up off the pier at Ardbeg. The boats were moored up to the sound of a Scottish Piper. On arrival at the visitors centre all of the crews were offered a "wee dram”. All the crew then entered the visitors centre and were treated to a beautiful buffet lunch with more than enough food to go round.

After lunch the crews were piped off the Island and headed for Rathlin Island via the West Light. The flotilla departed Rathlin as the sunset and headed for Red Bay. Some of the Scottish boats also returned with the fleet and all enjoyed a beautiful meal in Cushendall Boat Club, where the memories of the day were recounted and the next cruise planned.