Crinan  Classic  Boat  Festival  2009

The 2009 Crinan Classic Boat Festival runs from 2nd – 5th July. This is a feast of many things Scottish all to be sampled in the wee west coast fishing village of Crinan in Argyll. Not to be confused with an ‘anorak’ classic boat meet, this is much, much more. It is a festival showing off the natural beauty, heritage, wealth and talents of Mid Argyll including classic boats, whisky tasting, haggis hurling, live local music, ceilidh dancing, art exhibitions, boat building, a boat jumble, one handed bagpipers, ancient castles, the worlds third largest whirlpool, pipe band, local produce, and……….lots more whisky, all at the end of the most ‘beautiful short cut in Britain’, the nine mile long Crinan Canal.

“An informal gathering of wooden boats” the festival is open to all wooden boats, sail, motor, fishing and rowing boats. With upwards of fifty classics expected to be racing around some of the most spectacular cruising grounds in Europe, the spectacle is not to be missed. The most keenly anticipated and unusual race is at the conclusion of the festival when the motor boats compete for The General, a highland cows head!

Not to be detracted if you do not have a boat, throughout the festival there is plenty to do. Taste some whisky. Take a boat trip, available aboard the only remaining west coast puffer the VIC 32, have a tour around one of four 60ft Royal Navy Patrol Boats open to the public, RIB trips to the Corryvreckan and beyond, various local bands, a unique water and land based highland games open to all, all day BBQ and the big ceilidh bash on Saturday night, tickets at the door.

Please check the web site for details and of boats already entered. www.crinanclassic.com

AND, check back in May for our feature article on the Crinan Classic Boat Festival 2009!