Rib holidays......

mrgrumpy · 01 January 2009, 10:24

A few years back I went on an organised off road motorcyle trip lasting 3 days. I was thinking about doing the same again but wondered if there are any similar type vacations arranged for ribs... You would make your way to a destination (somewhere warm preferably) where you would meet with the rest of the group and then spend the next few days on an organised rib trip with a guide, all equipment, accomodation etc provided....Has anyone heard of such a thing?

Brian · 03 January 2009, 13:30

Well I used to organise such trips-in a sense! several 3-Day trips to the Scilly's, lots of 2-days on the south coast out of Plymouth, week long trip to S/W Ireland etc. The big problem is (and it is a big problem) is that many people who sign up for the trip, dont eventually turn up. This means broken meal and hotel arrangements. Can you imagine the problems of trying to rearrange hotel booking for 30 people ("no not 13 double and 8 singles, sorry, make that 11 doubles and 6 singles, oh by the way, might ring you tomorrow with more changes"). And by definition, this at high season in the middle of the holidays and at a popular place as well.
Another problem is the weather. If it is bad the whole event has to be cancelled.
I found the only way to do it was for people to make their own accomodation arrangements and meals to be taken on a casual basis. I have always found it impossible to a)have a conversation wth 32 people simultaneously, b)agree on a meal time and venue and c)then cater for 13 no. 2's, 18 no. 3's and 15 fried rices etc. (thats even if they can remember what they ordered when it arrives).
So go, by all means, invite others to come with you, make your own accomodation and meal arrangements and expect not to see anybody else there (although you probably will and have more joy for that !).

Bittentobuggery · 04 January 2009, 05:06

Brian's right. It's a thankless task and can be a lot of hassle.

Part of the problem is the different ability of the boats in different conditions and then the abillities of the crews, or their perception of their own abilities ! Don't forget if you are "the organiser", there are certain responsibilities that are incumbent upon you, that you may not necessarily choose for yourself.

When it goes well, it's great fun but it can get ragged very quickly. For my 50th, we took 2 ribs and a 45ft Jeanneau powerboat as mothership across to Cherbourg and round to St Vaast. Dressed as French matelots, with stripey tops, berets and moustaches, we consumed a huge amount of grog (not PC, I know) and had a truly memorable weekend that people still talk about.

With a boat of your size, you'd be well advised to consider joining BIBOA, as some of their trips may be to your liking. Chris Kaye "organises" the St Vaast trip, the first bank holiday in May

mrgrumpy · 04 January 2009, 09:11

I'm thinking more along the lines of flying to Europe somewhere, being collected at the airport, transported to a villa which will be your base for a few days and then during the next 3 days (or so) chartering ribs in an organised group with a lead rib that knows the area and has done all the route planing. In the evening to all eat and chat together then do the same the next day etc etc

Brian · 04 January 2009, 10:02

Well, Mrgrumpy, you make it sound like everybody does something for YOU.
Why not try to organise something yourself.

We will then choose whether to join you............or not.

chris123 · 04 January 2009, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Well, Mrgrumpy, you make it sound like everybody does something for YOU.
Why not try to organise something yourself.

We will then choose whether to join you............or not.

I think people are missing MrG's point here - he is looking for a company that offers RIB holidays. I'm not sure why all the negativity is necessary?

As he said in his OP, the sort of package he refers to has been common in motorcycling circles for many years, as have flotilla sailing holidays.

Cheers

Chris

Mollers · 04 January 2009, 11:17

But surely a company trying to organise such trips in the UK would encounter all of the same problems. We pop over to the Scillies a couple of times a season. We tend to let it be known when we're intending to go based around the weather. Those wishing to join can do so or not. We camp on the islands which requires little or no pre booking and therefore very flexible. Eating is also bbq or pubs which again is flexible.

Poly · 04 January 2009, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris123

I think people are missing MrG's point here - he is looking for a company that offers RIB holidays. I'm not sure why all the negativity is necessary?

As he said in his OP, the sort of package he refers to has been common in motorcycling circles for many years, as have flotilla sailing holidays.

Well said. I have never understood why there were so few bareboat power boat charters or flotila powerboat holidays in the med compared to sailing holidays - never mind rib ones. But of course everyone can keep missing the point and telling MrG to organise something himself at home, when he wants to do something overseas...

Mollers · 04 January 2009, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Well said. I have never understood why there were so few bareboat power boat charters or flotila powerboat holidays in the med compared to sailing holidays - never mind rib ones. But of course everyone can keep missing the point and telling MrG to organise something himself at home, when he wants to do something overseas...

....but of course. Sarcasm.....etc.

Poltwerp, if wit was sh*t, you'd be chronically constipated.

chris123 · 04 January 2009, 12:02

Might be worth contacting the 'Marine Leisure Association':

http://www.marineleisure.co.uk/

They might be able to point you in the right direction.

Alternatively, Doug Stormforce who posts on here operates a watersports centre in Greece, and might have some contacts.

Cheers

Chris

mrgrumpy · 04 January 2009, 19:12

Its good to see that at least Polwart and Chris123 have the ability to read and understand the written word. ..........
For the record Brian I'm not asking nor expecting anyone to do anything for ME.......I generally find that people's attention to detail is poor or that they are just plain incompetent and consequently if I want something doing I always prefer to do it myself...its the only way of guaranteeing satisfaction.
Why you or anyone else would think it would be wise to arrange a trip to Spain, Southern France, Croatia etc (accommodation, food, rib hire, fuel, and route planning) is beyond me. It would be far better for everyone concerned if a company can be located abroad that specialises is this type of activity (like the spainish offroad motorcycle rides) which means that maximum value and enjoyment can be extracted by all participants.
Life is too short to waste time and money therefore I'd always prefer to PAY the experts and have the maximum fun available.

Back to the original thread..... If anyone knows of any such overseas company (weather more guarateed) that can offer the full ribbing package then I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Pablo · 29 January 2009, 09:05

You have a PM Mr Grumpy. Smile, you're on rib.net

Phil · 01 February 2009, 22:01

well without too much trouble you could find an apartment in Sof and hire a rib

www.darkpelican.com operate daily hire if you have an ICC; they are based in Villefranche which is itself a magnificent bay / natural harbour.

try anflo info riviera for boat hire along the coast

if you want specific info on the cote let me know

fpricken · 17 February 2009, 09:53

hi,

i know that bmc (belgium) organises a trip in croatia in august
i will pm the link

frank

Manos · 21 February 2009, 11:47

You can have RIB holidays in Greece. The only thing is that everything is so expenssive here.

For a 7Mtr RIB with a 250 4-strokes they charge from 150-250 euro/day. I'm not sure how much it may be for a week. Never the less, if any one is interested let me know and will ask. But IHMO is EXTREMLY expenssive.

Poly · 21 February 2009, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manos

For a 7Mtr RIB with a 250 4-strokes they charge from 150-250 euro/day. I'm not sure how much it may be for a week. Never the less, if any one is interested let me know and will ask. But IHMO is EXTREMLY expenssive.

compared to UK bareboat prices I would say that is good! even with poor (for us Euro-GBP rate). A similar one day bare boat rental on the south coast of England would probably cost around 350 GBP / 400 EUR + Fuel

Manos · 23 February 2009, 12:12

WOW ...

dwalters · 25 February 2009, 14:16

Something like the surf and cider tour 2007 (albeit its not running anymore!)

http://www.thegentlemanstour.co.uk/

Joseph P · 11 March 2009, 20:37

You reminded me of the "International Aegean R.I.B. Adeventure" that I organized in Greece some 17 years ago! It was back in 1992 that 30 r.i.b.'s with their crew arrived Athens from England, Germany and Italy. Our intention was to sail all around the Cyclades islands for one week, together with another 15 Greek ribsters. Everything was under control, there was a sponsor, media cover, back up r.i.b.'s, hotel accommodation, sightseeing etc., but...

...although it was September, calm weather of the first day turned into a 7 force north wind on the second day and onwards! It was a disaster for our guests who were not used to the Aegean waves and the "hammer effect" that brakes bones and flesh! Bear in mind the type of hulls (especailly those made in Italy) and the size of the boats 17 years ago, and you will have a clear view of what heppened...

I remember I had to tow David George's 8 m. Delta, powered by Sabre diesel inboard engine, who had some fuel problems near Santorini, with my 5,95 Olympic, the Mariner 175 and five persons on board, including my two kids! I was then obliged to organize, on behalf of all my English, German and Italian friends, to have their trailers collected in Santorini, Mykonos or Ios islands, and take their boats back to Piraeus on board big liners! Only eight out of fifteen Greek crews managed to make the entire tour on board their r.i.b.'s and their own forces...

I have organized a lot of rib crusing in the Aegean since then, but I didn't dare to do it with foreigners again...

Bam Bam · 13 December 2009, 18:31

Villa, RIB's provided, food cooked, beer served, warm sun, warm sea, no drysuit, no trailer. Sounds like a winner to me Mr G. If you find anywhere that provides that type of break let me know, if I've got the time and money to do it I'll join you.