On Saturday 13th May 2006, 32 Redbay Stormforce RIB owners made the annual trip to Ardbeg Distillery, Islay. After the trip having to be canceled last year due to bad weather, everyone was hoping that the settled weather that had been enjoyed during the week would hold out. And boy, did it hold. Conditions were perfect for the trip, with perfect blue skies the whole day. Initially, there was a fresh breeze as the crew left Cushendall, but as the multicolored flotilla of RIBs made its way north, the wind eased giving a very enjoyable crossing to Islay.

Ardbeg is situated about 5 miles from Port Ellen and the distillery includes an excellent restaurant and visitor centre. As the procession of RIBs made their way through the rocky channel to tie up off the pier at Ardbeg, participants where treated to a truly warm welcome, complete with Scottish Piper. The mood at the distillery was very relaxed and spirits buoyant, helped along by some live music, and a fantastic three course buffet lunch.

The RIBs then made their way south towards Rathlin Island, for another stop and some pints in the Island's pub. At around 7 o'clock the RIBs finally made their way back to Cushendall.

The trip was a real success, and a good range of RIBs were on show, from 6.1s to 11 metres, with open consoles, canopies, cabins and Expeditions all taking part.

Redbay Boats wishes to thank all Owner's and crews for their participation in the event, and also a very special thanks to Ardbeg for a truly memorable occasion.

Diary Report of Ardbeg 2006 by Hannah Byrne - click here to read it (thanks Hannah!)

Cushendall to Ardbeg

Thanks Tom & Margaret!	Thanks Tom & Margaret!	Thanks Tom & Margaret!	Thanks Mark!	Thanks Mark!

At Ardbeg

Thanks Paddy!	Thanks Paddy!	Thanks Paddy!

Ardbeg to Rathlin

Rathlin to Cushendall

Ardbeg Movie Clip 1 (4.2 MB)

Ardbeg Movie Clip 2 (13 MB)

(See Media page for help in playing back files, requires XVid Codec to view the video)

Posted: 15th May 2006