RIB Rendezvous 2026: 250 boats, Scotland’s west coast and the UK’s biggest RIB gathering

RIB Rendezvous 2026 | Location: Isle of Kerrera, near Oban, Scotland | Date: 2nd-3rd May 2026 | Organiser: Paddy Crerar | Boats attending: 220 (signed on); 250 (cap) | RNLI donation: £10,100 | Title sponsors: Redbay Boats and Suzuki Marine

It is often said that the West Coast of Scotland offers some of the finest cruising grounds in the UK. With so many islands, inlets, lochs and secluded beaches to explore, all surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery, it’s easy to see why the RIB Rendezvous event, held annually, has grown in popularity year on year.

Last year, in the summer of 2025, 125 boats took part, each looking to experience the West Coast in all its timeless glory. But upon seeing just how popular this event was becoming, organiser Paddy Crerar decided to go all out for 2026, to find out just how many RIBs might actually gather for a 2026 RIB Rendezvous…

Easdale, on the Argyll coast, was the original home of RIB Rendezvous, but it was considered that for 2026, a new location should be pursued and hence, Oban, or more specifically, the Isle of Kerrera and its marina was chosen instead. In so doing, in liaison with the owners of Kerrera Marina, the decision was made to cap the 2026 entry list at a resoundingly impressive, 250 boats. Which, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, was what they got!

With so many visiting crews arriving from all across the UK, many decided to arrive in the days leading up to the event and make the long journey that bit more worthwhile. This staggering of arrivals did much to avoid a last-minute rush to launch a large number of boats.

Many of those trailering their boats headed to Dunstaffnage Marina 4nm along the coast where tractor launching and berths were available. Some crews I spoke to launched at Largs before making their way by sea. Then of course came the flotilla from Cushendall, Northern Ireland, headed up by the lads from Redbay Boats who arrived with beaming smiles and in fine style having made the 85nm or so passage without a hitch. By the Friday evening, this 2026 RIB Rendezvous was already shaping up to be an extraordinary gathering, not only in terms of the sheer numbers taking part, but also, in terms of the great cross section of boats and people taking part. The whole ethos of the event being not to compete, but rather, to collectively share the experience of cruising in company in one of the most rare and special locations in the northern hemisphere, the West Coast of Scotland.

Saturday morning in Oban began warm and sunny as crews descended onto the pontoons in their droves and in order to prepare for the day ahead. I dare say the same scene would be repeated for those tied up in Dunstaffnage. But the plan was simple, everyone had to make their way to Kerrera where they would be directed to suitable berths before attending the mandatory skippers’ briefing at 09.45am. The actual plan for the day would only be decided a little before that by the steering committee and sponsors once the latest forecast had been contemplated and assessed.

How nice it was to be welcomed onto the Isle of Kerrera by two traditional Scots pipers! It really set the tone of the event, as did the hospitality everyone was afforded. Every effort had been made to ensure Kerrera was a venue rather than just a meeting place. Food and drink were available for all the participants whilst the event’s chief sponsors, Suzuki and Redbay had their banners adorning the walls and railings around the waterside. SBS Trailers had even brought a handful of trailers onto the island to exhibit too.

With crews suitably refreshed and successfully briefed, the plan was to cast off, depart Kerrera, and then perform a drive-by of Oban before heading in a clockwise direction around the Isle of Mull. The most important instruction given in the briefing was that nobody was to overtake Redbay MD, Tom McLaughlin, aboard his lead boat, the mighty cabin RIB that is, Corryvreckan. After all, in hunting circles at least, it’s considered very bad form to overtake the Master!

But no sooner had engines had begun to warm and the boats had begun to settle into a pace, we were all reminded of the fact, this was Scotland and in these high latitudes the weather can be a very fickle friend… As we made our approach to Mull, yes you’ve guessed it, thick fog and mizzle rain rolled in reducing visibility to just a few hundred metres. An event such as RIB Rendezvous requires flexibility, so as we entered the blanket of gloom, the VHF radio sparked into life to announce the details of a modified plan – one which now set a course up the Sound of Mull and into the delightful, if not colourful waterside surroundings of, Tobermory.

Just as it should be, Tobermory, as special as it is, is considered a worthy destination in its own right by yachtsman and mariners the world over, with its famous seafront of gaily-painted buildings being recognisable to many families with children too, thanks to the popular television series, “Balamory”.

I described the west coast weather as being ‘fickle’, and indeed, it continued to be just that… For no sooner had the fog descended but it lifted again! How good it felt to be out of the mire and back into the light with glorious Highland views to admire across the water – glens and mountains, sea stacks and grassy isles. And the air, so clean, invigorating, filling the nostrils with a heady mix of sea and heather.

Sea conditions were light as we settled in for our steady ‘in formation’ cruise. Being amongst such a large pack of boats, all heading in the same direction with their foaming wakes streaming out behind was an amazing feeling. If you’ve never had the opportunity of being part of a large flotilla, once you’ve mastered the art of negotiating the furrows of wakes across your path and the business of running as a part of a pack, then I can assure you, there are few experiences like it. But in due course, our port of call hove into view with its unmistakable picture postcard seafront adorned with onlookers who had turned out to welcome and admire the waterborne throng. Ashore, craft and food stalls were all laid out in fine style, each busy with people, while the Harbour Office and Macgochans pub were also teeming with activity. The majority of crews opted to remain here, mingling one with another, sharing experiences and enjoying the local fare. Others, after having enjoyed the atmospheric surroundings and the ‘refuelling of their tanks’, departed mid-afternoon to continue on around Mull. The plan had always been informal and ultimately down to each skipper to decide his eventual course. So, whichever decision was made, whether to stay or push on further, it was never about the sea miles alone.

For those that chose to venture on around Mull, the day was fair and the sights of course, proved unforgettable. Besides the dramatic island flora and the multitude of little white sandy coves with their turquoise shallows, the fauna this far north is likewise incredibly special too. Arctic terns, gannets, shearwater and guillemots, will frequently be beheld in the skies above, and of course, especially with the likes of a boat such as a RIB, one can often navigate right up to the foot of the cliff faces to discreetly observe the nesting sites of many of these birds. Seeing them at close quarters, hearing their cries, is incredibly special.

As for those wonders emerging from the icy depths, owners of even the most modest craft will no doubt enjoy seeing the many Atlantic grey seal communities frequenting Mull’s craggy shoreline. Likewise, entire pods of harbour porpoise and common dolphin which take great delight in coursing and leaping beside a boat underway, can often be encountered here too. If you are really fortunate and truly blessed, then you might also see a minke whale breaching or an Orca hunting party cutting their way through these seas. Depending on the time of year, some of the largest basking sharks likely to be encountered anywhere, might also be seen cruising these waters… It’s no exaggeration to say, Mull and its neighbouring highland and island ocean surroundings are a nature lover’s maritime paradise and RIB Rendezvous’ strength was that it allowed the beauty of this special environment to be shared in company safely with experienced, like-minded souls.

For myself and my teenage son, Tom, the day brought us back to Oban, ‘the capital of the Isles’, whereupon we had just enough time to freshen up and then get ourselves back over to Kerrera for an evening of food and entertainment hosted by our sponsors and the island’s marina. With the sun beginning to sink majestically beyond the ocean’s western horizon, we made our way once more out across the water to Kerrera, this time with our friends Nick, Helen and Lawrence. They, like Tom and I, didn’t want to be out too late as we had plans and intentions for the following morning. So, to make for an easy exit, we chose to raft up against a long line of other boats rather than alongside one of the busy pontoons. It was very much appreciated that the marina had kindly laid on extra ferry services to shuttle crews between Oban and Kerrera – which suited those who were either keeping their boats on the island or didn’t want to ‘drink and drive’ that night.

But as we stepped off the pontoons, what greeted us? A hearty bowl of Highland stew made with pride from meat reared on the island. And to wash it down? Of course, a dram of whisky generously provided by Oban Distillery.

Kerrera Marina came alive. Food and drink stalls, with their colourful canvas canopies and festoon lighting, live music and undercover seating, all helped to create a carnival-like atmosphere. It was great, as was the auction that ensued. It was a hugely entertaining and good-hearted rowdy affair with many high value lots donated and subsequently fought over! The novelty lot, which got everyone on their feet, was the chance to pull the rip-cord on a ‘past its sell by date’, life-raft. £200 and after lots of cheering and much cord pulling, the life-raft eventually deployed with a loud bang! The bright orange raft bursting from its cannister right before us to rapturous applause!

The raffle that followed featured prizes a plenty, all generously donated by the likes of sponsors Suzuki, Redbay Boats, Pantaenius Insurance, and Spinlock to name but a few. Representatives of all those companies were on hand for the presentations, and it was heartening to see the effort that had been made to ensure the evening was such a memorable and enjoyable occasion. As you can imagine, the evening continued with skippers and crews alike, eagerly exchanging stories and salty tales with good-hearted abandon.

Although the main event was on the Saturday, crews were encouraged to get back out on the water once more, although it was made clear that Sunday was very much a ‘DIY Day’ and up to each crew to play as they wanted.

For us we headed south-west towards Jura, taking in Easdale, Lunga and Scarba along the way. Our intent? To experience firsthand the gulf of Corryvreckan – the formidable, if not infamous tidal flow between the isles of Jura and Scarba. A combination of deep subterranean chasms and submerged rock formations cause volatile tidal overfalls and whirlpools here, particularly in contrary wind and tide conditions. Although not in full force, we nonetheless got a feel for the power of the rushing tide and its slavish eddies and whirlpools.

Upon leaving Corryvreckan in our retreating wake, we headed north to the channel between Scarba and Lunga known as, ‘Grey Dogs’, or as it’s sometimes affectionately known, ‘Little Corryvreckan’. Again, playing in the tidal flow here too, might be best summed up in one word… ‘incredible’.

Our journey took us between islands and up inlets, past the location where sea eagles nest, and the very point where red deer are known to swim to and fro between the isles. And you know what was so great? This was all experienced from the deck of a RIB. Yes, they came in many shapes and sizes – some grand, some humble, but all special. Thanks to RIB Rendezvous, the west coast of bonnie Scotland truly did not disappoint, and I for one have been left wanting more…

On behalf of the PBR team, I would like to express my thanks and congratulations to Paddy Crerar and his team for an excellent and well-run 2026 event. So too to title sponsors, Redbay Boats and Suzuki Marine, for all the energy and support they gave this true ‘everyman’ event. Long may it thrive!

Q1: What is the RIB Rendezvous?

The RIB Rendezvous is the UK’s largest annual gathering of RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). In 2026, 250 boats took part, meeting at the Isle of Kerrera near Oban on Scotland’s west coast, before cruising together around the Isle of Mull. The event is organised by Paddy Crerar and is open to RIB owners of all experience levels.

Q2: Where was the RIB Rendezvous 2026 held?

The 2026 RIB Rendezvous was based at Kerrera Marina on the Isle of Kerrera, a short distance from Oban in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Overflow berthing and tractor launching was available at Dunstaffnage Marina, approximately 4 nautical miles along the coast.

Q3: How many boats attended the 2026 RIB Rendezvous?

The 2026 RIB Rendezvous was capped at 250 boats, with a further 60 on the reserve list. On the day, 220 boats officially signed on, with additional boats joining informally. The 2025 event, held the previous year, saw 125 boats take part.

Q4: How much money did the RIB Rendezvous 2026 raise for the RNLI?

The 2026 RIB Rendezvous raised £10,100 for the RNLI at Oban, donated at the event’s evening gathering on the Isle of Kerrera.

Q5: Who sponsors the RIB Rendezvous?

The 2026 RIB Rendezvous title sponsors were Redbay Boats and Suzuki Marine. Additional sponsors included Pantaenius Insurance, Radical Marine, SeaRegs Training, SBS Trailers, Spinlock, and DeBurgh Wine Merchants. Event partners included Kerrera Marina, Dunstaffnage Marina, Tobermory Harbour, Savvy Navvy, Oban Distillery, and Powerboat & RIB.

Q6: Can you visit the Corryvreckan whirlpool by RIB?

Yes, the Corryvreckan – a powerful tidal strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba on Scotland’s west coast – is accessible by RIB. The 2026 RIB Rendezvous Sunday DIY Day saw crews navigate both Corryvreckan and the neighbouring tidal channel Grey Dogs (also known as Little Corryvreckan) between Scarba and Lunga. Conditions vary significantly with tide and wind, and careful planning is essential.

Q7: Is the RIB Rendezvous suitable for beginners?

The RIB Rendezvous is described as an ‘everyman’ event, welcoming RIB owners of all experience levels. The ethos of the event is not to compete but to cruise in company. However, Scotland’s west coast presents significant navigational challenges including tidal streams, fog, and exposed passages, and skippers should hold appropriate qualifications and carry proper safety equipment.