70 wild miles - Looking for Small RIBS

SPR · 08 March 2010, 14:34

Hi All,

I received the following email today, looking for help. If anybody can help can you please contact the organisers, I have nothing to do with the event but thought might be nice day out for some of the members - small boats - <5.5 Meters

S.

-----------------------------Email from organisers --------------------

I am emailing to ask a request. Would it be possible for you to put up a notice asking for any volunteers with small power boats willing to help out at a charity event in Glencoe (Loch Ettive) on Saturday 5th of June to contact myself on Ytsrik_1<at>hotmail.com or visit the below web address. Large power boats will struggle to maneouver down the road and then launch from the small slipway.

The charity is CLIC Sargent and the event is a triathlon where competitors cycle 47 miles, canoe 10 miles and then run the last 13. Without adequate cover on the water section the even can't go ahead and as one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for this charity we are keen to ensure this does not happen.

Visit www.70wildmiles.org Glencoe link for more information.

Thank you on behalf of CLIC Sargent

riverkeeper · 09 March 2010, 01:00

Get in touch with the Maritime Volunteer Service on the Tay in Scotland, http://www.mvstay.org/ , telephone on 01382 542 516 they have a few units up there that would help. If having difficulties in finding them, telephone or email the MVS headquaters.

This is exactley the thing they do as activitys.

We are in the London unit, but they should be able to help for now and in the future.

Good luck,

Alex.

SPR · 09 March 2010, 02:06

Thanks, a few of my friends are in the Tay MVS, I have emailed them on behalf of the organisers.

S.

riverkeeper · 09 March 2010, 02:43

o.k, i would also suggest to the organisers that they telephone them, as you cant beat talking to realy get things done.

emails are so easily blanked.

Give my best to the scots mvs.

SeaSkills · 09 March 2010, 06:43

I have a RIB at Loch Etive. I'll get in touch and see if we can help

Poly · 09 March 2010, 12:13

I've had some email correspondence from the people who organised the original event (and suggested the size limit on boats) - after offering my own boat. They would be interested in larger boats if they are launched elsewhere and brought to Loch Etive by sea rather than trying to launch large boats at Taynuilt.

SPR · 09 March 2010, 12:35

Thanks for posting that, I was asked to post same.
S.

9D280 · 09 March 2010, 13:25

You've just saved me the hassle of asking that question!

Puffin · 09 March 2010, 16:43

Had emailed Gordon Gooch. Apparently the lass who is in overall charge of safety is on annual leave at present so probably not much to do other than email Gordon and he will pass on your offer. If needed my plan would be to come round by sea, the Kayak section is likely to be around mid-day so plenty of time to get round. It is a neap tide that day with highwater Oban about mid-day.

BruceB · 09 March 2010, 16:56

I wouldn't have minded but I would have launced from Oban and ran up to the head of the loch, unfortunately its the day of the IOM trip.

SeaSkills · 09 March 2010, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

I've had some email correspondence from the people who organised the original event (and suggested the size limit on boats) - after offering my own boat. They would be interested in larger boats if they are launched elsewhere and brought to Loch Etive by sea rather than trying to launch large boats at Taynuilt.

Note to anyone who doesn't know the area: great care is needed if launching outside Loch Etive and coming up through the Falls of Lora under Connel Bridge. Check tide times, read the pilot book, and remember you have to get back too! Feel free to PM me if you need any advice

walruz · 09 March 2010, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

Note to anyone who doesn't know the area: great care is needed if launching outside Loch Etive and coming up through the Falls of Lora under Connel Bridge. Check tide times, read the pilot book, and remember you have to get back too! Feel free to PM me if you need any advice

Good advice. I used to dive a lot around Oban and the Falls are spectacular but things can go VERY wrong VERY quickly.

Ian

BruceB · 09 March 2010, 22:14

A RIB with a decent powered outboard that can do 15 knots or more has nothing to fear from the falls. There is a 12m deep marked channel on the south span of the bridge which doesn't run at much past 10knots even on low springs and is clear of obstructions even if the engine failed.
We do donuts in it at any state of the tide for a bit of fun when over diving the SS Breda, going back and forth through the channel playing around and around. Just stay on the correct side of the channel as if you go through the north side you may hit the rocks on the east side of the bridge at low water. Technically you can drive over most of these at HW but I wouldn't recommend it.
Coming back down is no issue either in a decent RIB of the size quoted, just much faster than going up at LW springs

Puffin · 10 March 2010, 18:03

Any one in doubt, there is a good description and pictures in the Imray pilot Isle of Mull and Adjacent coasts, also have a look at this website, http://www.fallsoflora.info/

Puffin · 10 March 2010, 19:45

Slightly off thread I accept.......... but have a look at this!

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