Click HERE to find out about the builders, Ocean Dynamics and to see a sister craft in action in the famous Bitches tide race off Ramsey Island.
Find out who else is using a boat just like NorthCoast (well, almost!!) by clicking HERE
The Rib Adventure
Northcoast's boat, the 'NorthCoast Explorer', is an aluminium rigid-hulled inflatable (RIB) and is described as a 'High Surf Superiority' craft. You'll see why when we take you on the RIB Adventure in the Pentland Firth, where some of the strongest tides in Britain flow. But don't worry - our boat is very safe and stable and can take on seas that many similar boats cannot.
We will take you on a roller coaster ride through the standing waves and overfalls, through tide races with names like the 'Men o'Mey', the 'Bores of Duncansby' and the 'Swilkie', a whirlpool which, according to Viking legend, was caused by a sea-witch turning the mill wheels which ground the salt to keep the ocean salty.
In the Pentland Firth, we get strong tides every day of the year, twice a day. However, exact RIB Adventure timings are determined by the state of the tide and the weather and the skipper's decision 'on the day' is final. This trip is restricted to over-12's only and is not for the fainthearted. Full waterproofs are provided because YOU WILL GET WET!! Remember, it is almost always chillier than you would expect out at sea, even on a sunny day, so be sure to wear warm outdoor clothing. Stout/waterproof footwear is a bonus - trainers are not recommended unless you enjoy wet feet!!
NorthCoast's custom-built boat, 'NorthCoast Explorer' (pictured below) arrived at John o'Groats on April 8th, 2000. We brought the boat by sea from South Wales to Douglas IOM, then to Campbeltown, through the Sound of Jura and up to Fort William. We then passed through the Caledonian Canal to Inverness and finally up the east coast to Wick and John o'Groats, a distance of over 500 miles. The boat handled faultlessly and lived up to her 'High Surf Superiority' reputation. THAT was a RIB Adventure for NorthCoast!!
