The rugged beauty of the Antrim Coast provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s Redbay Boats Ardbeg Day Run, an event that has become a highlight for Redbay owners and their guests. Blessed with calm seas and sunshine, dozens of boats gathered in Cushendall, Northern Ireland, ready for a passage that combined adventure, camaraderie and spectacular scenery.
The run took participants north along the dramatic cliffs of the Antrim coastline, past the famous Mull of Kintyre, across to Islay for a stop at the Ardbeg Distillery and then home via Rathlin Island. It is a stretch of water that some may hesitate to tackle alone, but with the safety and support of the Redbay team, it became a memorable adventure shared by all.
Hospitality was woven throughout the day, thanks to the event partners. Pantaenius UK, long-time supporters of the boating community, sponsored both the warm start with coffee and pastries in Cushendall, before participants were welcomed with a drink on arrival at the Ardbeg Distillery. These touches added a sense of community and celebration to the adventure.
Back on shore, the evening was no less memorable. Crews gathered for a festival-style night of a legendary barbecue, live music and laughter, generously supported by Suzuki Marine. Their sponsorship of the evening celebrations brought the perfect close to a day already rich with shared experiences.
As Mike Wimbridge from Pantaenius UK summed it up: “Quite simply, the whole experience was magical. The boats, the setting, the welcome – it is a day that will stay with me for a long time.”
Events like the Ardbeg Run showcase what boating is all about – not just the thrill of the ride, but the chance to share unique moments with like-minded people. Redbay Boats once again delivered an occasion that was both safe and unforgettable, while partners like Pantaenius and Suzuki helped to make it truly special.
