SAIL HEBRIDES

Interest is growing amongst the sailing fraternity for the fourth Hebridean Maritime Festival which is being held in Stornoway 1st – 3rd August this year.

Sail Hebrides has been in contact with a number of keen boat owners from as far afield as Glasgow, Forres, Skye and Oban in our attempt to make this year’s Festival bigger and better than ever.

Based around our ‘flagship’ vessel, the Clyde Sail Training Trust’s “East End Endeavour”, we are now in the process of arranging a pre-Festival cruise across the Minch from the West coast of mainland Scotland, timed to arrive in Stornoway on Thursday 1st August.

We are hoping that a flotilla of sailing boats, headed by the “East End Endeavour”, will sail in company to provide a grand spectacle for crews and spectators alike. The flotilla, accompanied by a powered escort, should consist of a variety of vessels including one of last year’s main attractions, the “Eala Bhan”. Once here the flotilla will be joined by other boats from around the Hebridean Islands and West Coast of Scotland, where the crews can enjoy the planned attractions of the Maritime Festival, such as the ‘Sailing in Company” regatta, the ‘Sail Hebrides Challenge’ race, ceilidhs and events.

Spaces are still available for crew members (no experience necessary) aboard the “East End Endeavour” and other boats. So anyone interested in joining in the sailing, bringing their own boat along or taking part in the Festival in any other way, should telephone Sail Hebrides without delay on 01851 703562/870343, Email [email protected] or visit our website www.sailhebrides.co.uk