What to look out for

A lot of what happens at the festival is very much weather dependent; some boats might not put in an appearance if the weather is doubtful. Though the festival is on Saturday and Sunday July 20-21 most of the boats arrive the day before. At 10am on Saturday morning the moorings are open to the public so go along and enjoy looking round. There are a few stalls alongside the marquee and there is also a barbecue. The boat jumble is a great opportunity to buy spares and tools. Saturday evening sees a ceilidh at the Tarbert Hotel, which also sponsors the festival. Sunday morning has the skippers’ breakfast where all the skippers and crews enjoy a full Scottish breakfast at the hotel. The festival ends ‘around about noon’ with a sail-by of all the boats. Some are leaving, continuing on cruising holidays planned around this muchloved event. Other boats return to the harbour. The yacht club and the CalMac pier are good vantage points to see the boats.