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Scottish RIB Challenge 28th May - 3rd June Page 2 of 3

The 2000 millennium saw two major Scottish RIB events in progress at the same time. One, the ScotRIB Grand Prix, no longer a race event based on the Clyde, which is now a great social and family event combining relaxed socialising and fine dining with excellent RIBing in some of the best scenery in the world. And two, the Scottish RIB Challenge which tests man and machine against the challenge of circumnavigating Scotland from Inverness to Inverness. This in itself establishes friendships and camaraderie that last a lifetime and provides a sense of real achievement. A RIBster's baptism of fire! Both flotillas rendezvoused at Port Appin in Loch Linnhe. 14 from ScotRIB and 18 from the Scottish Challenge.It was a great carnival atmosphere when the two fleets approached and old friendships were renewed.

Pictured, Below • South from Oban to Craobh Haven for light refreshments at the "Lord of the Isles" before visiting the infamous Gulf of Corryvreckan. Between the Islands of Scarba and Jura a 10 knot tide race squeezed into the narrow channel becomes the world's third largest whirlpool. On spring tides and a prevailing westerly gale the roar can be heard miles away. It has claimed many vessels, and who shall live or drown is said to be up to "Cailleach", the witch that controls the race! Pictured, Left • After sometime the two fleets parted and went on their respective ways only to meet again at the bar of the now famous RIBster's wateringhole, the 'Wide Mouthed Frog' at Dunstaffnage marina, later that evening. The following day would see ScotRIB head for Tarbet in Loch Fyne and the Scottish Challenge set off for the Point of Ardnamurchan, to be heading north for the first time towards Cape Wrath and the Pentland Firth.

Pictured, Right • Still Deep One leaving the Sound of Mull before turning north east for some 30 miles to Kyle of Lochalsh. This course takes the challenge along what is one of the most scenic legs on the westcoast of Scotland. With, to port, the Inner Hebridian Islands of Muck, Rhum, Eigg, Canna and majestic Skye. And, to starboard, the Highlands of Moidart, Knoydart and the remote sea lochs of Nevis and Hourn as the passage along the Sound of Sleat takes you towards Kyle Rhea narrows.
Pictured, Right • Sentinel at the south west entrance to the Great Glen, the Lismore Light on the Island of the same name in the Firth of Lorne is positioned at the "crossroads" to the Isles. The Sound of Mull to the west leads out towards the Inner Hebrides.

Pictured, Near Left • Some of the RIBS made a short visit to Portree, Skye's capital, to see the colour washed cottages of this pretty little harbour. Pictured, Far Left • White Water cruising below the dramatic Sgurr of Eigg, a huge sugar loaf crag which is the largest mass of columnar pitchstone lava in Britain.

Pictured, Below • A comfort stop off Rubha Reidh lighthouse before proceeding to Lochinver.

At Lochinver the security of the fleet was handed over to the event's "minder" Howard! Only joking, Howard provided the road transport support for John Harvey, the event organiser, and from time to time managed to get a trip on a RIB. Howard epitomised the hard work and support given to all crews by their 'back-up' teams, which ensured that the event ran smoothly with all boats serviced and refuelled.