Let us introduce ourselves. Sarah and I are both single girls who both live and work in the Channel Island of Guernsey. We have both been involved with boats and dinghies of various sizes for several years and were looking for something different. Something that was fun, had serious potential for traveling and would complement all our other boating and shore activities. There are a lot of `toys' out there on the market for the `boys' (and of course also for the GIRLS) and so with the exciting tidal conditions around the Channel Islands and the proximity to France, we decided that we just had to have a RIB.
So, which RIB would we choose? Initially, we looked at some secondhand RIBs but became slightly dispirited as we could not find one that pleased us both. Eventually, after much discussion and a very helpful trip to the 1996 Southampton Boat Show, we decided to go for it and buy a brand new one. At least then we could have all the specifications that we desired and pick the colour scheme too! And so, the "Magic Carpet" ride began.

We decided it had to be red (we both liked red and wanted to be visible in hostile seas without

looking necessarily like a rescue boat!). We wanted a twin engine set up for safety and a range that could take us at least to France and back. We required a RIB that had some substance to it and could carry 4-6 adults seated, with room to spare for skis, diving gear or a dinghy etc., and that would also fit in a 25 foot marina berth. This put us firmly in the six and half metre plus bracket. Lastly, we wanted under-deck fuel, a raised double A-frame for antennae, and a neat looking console that we could walk past. Having scanned several editions of RIB International magazine and discussed the details at length with a RIB owning colleague (who was more than willing to offer advice and support over that first morning cup of coffee at the office) the final list was complete.

Originally, we contacted ten different manufacturers of RIBS for their literature and sales brochures. Following their initial responses we soon whittled the list down to five. The finalists were asked to quote to our specification and also for a "home deal of a similar specification" whereby an ex-demo boat could be taken into consideration. The serious bargaining and visits to the yards began. Both Sarah and I are pleased to say that it was a wonderful shopping experience! Most of the representatives of the firms in the running were helpful, friendly and gave readily of their time and advice (please accept our belated apologies for the number of different questions and quotes that were posed). It was a close run thing, but as we did have to pick one in the end, we eventually settled on a Ribtec 6.45m with twin Mercury 90's.

One of the problems of living in the Channel Islands is that your boat is effectively being fitted out overseas! Visits to the yard can only be few and everything has to be done mainly by fax and phone.

That said, we were very lucky with Ribtec Rigid Inflatables. We had already agreed that as it was the `off season' we didn't actually require delivery of the "Magic Carpet" until about the end of March. This gave us time to visit twice before `acceptance'. The first time we turned up at Swanwick Marina we actually followed our newly moulded hull into the car park (Sarah was heard to tell the driver - quick follow that hull! It's ours!). In the meantime, Ribtec kept us informed of the progress and alerted us when design preference decisions were needed. With the majority of the specification being decided on before the order was placed, the only area really left for discussion was the supply and fitting of the electronics and these were decided on at the London Boat Show. Boat show?...We spent so much time researching and hunting down electronic wizardry and personal kit we never actually set foot on a boat!

Ribtec finished "Magic Carpet" earlier than planned and so the date for sea trials and our general acceptance was set for 7 March 1997. Sarah and I flew out to Southampton the night before and nothing was going to stop us going on our first `carpet' ride. But, things did not quite go as planned as the weather was not good enough for a crossing to bring her home. However, that didn't stop us from taking her to Poole for the weekend! Never mind the rain and the fog! Seeing as the `Carpet' was UK bound for a while longer, we got Ribtec to add a few more extras and rescheduled the date for a crossing forward to Easter. Easter duly arrived and although the crossing had to be rescheduled again, Sarah and I met up with the BIBOA crowd and spent a happy Easter in glorious weather testing `Magic Carpet' off the Isle of Wight and catching up on RIB stories in the local pubs. Thanks guys!

Yes, we were really going to do it this time! The weather was fine, Charlie (our colleague at work) was also available and `Magic Carpet' was ready and waiting. A red eye flight to Southampton, breakfast at Eastleigh Airport and it was cover off, fenders stowed, wear as much warm clothing as one could fit on under the oilys and say good­bye to Ribtec. Bye Tim - are you sure you don’t want a trip to Guernsey?

Having mentally geared ourselves up for a rough and wild crossing, the actual journey turned out to be very pleasant with only a slight chop in the Channel. Absolutely no problem to `Magic Carpet', she fairly flew over. Even better, although it was quite cold being only early in the year, it was bright sunshine all the way! After leaving the Hamble river, we opened her up and headed out past the Isle of Wight. Seeing as an ETA in Guernsey would have meant arriving on a low tide, we decided to call into Alderney for lunch. Personally, I was rather disappointed at only seeing one large ship in the Channel separation zone, but the thought of a slap up feed in Alderney was much more appealing! With the best part of the journey over and with the excitement of now being in local waters, the `Magic Carpet' cleared the breakwater and moored up alongside one of the inner harbour walls. Somehow, I seem to remember we had a very long lunch at "The George", but not the walk back down the hill to the harbour, to say nothing of the height of the ladder on the harbour wall that we scrambled up and fell down afterwards! Yes, much later on that afternoon, we cruised into the marina at Guernsey and made fast, the proud happy `parents' of the `Magic Carpet'.

Magic Carpet' had a brilliant first season! She has been to France several times, circumnavigated around Jersey, and spent many a happy hour in Sark. She was used as the Media RIB for the Grandstand coverage of the Ultra 30's Grand Prix event in Guernsey and is already lined up for a similar event this year. We have used her as a dive boat, a fast water taxi, general support boat and rescue boat. Not only did we learn a lot over the first season about the technicalities of owning a RIB, but we also learnt how much fun they are and how versatile they are. In fact, it's a funny thing, but when two girlies and a RIB arrive alongside another yacht to request a share of the anchorage, we never get refused .... there is a definite advantage to having a big rubber fender! Of course, it might be what they call `girl power', or more likely be our wonderful personalities!

Alison Anderson

SHOPPING LIST

• Ribtec 6.45m hull.
• Twin Mercury 90hp ELPTO outboards.
• Twin underdeck 1251tr. s/s tanks.
• Odyssey transverse console and forward seat.
• Hydraulic steering.
• Double s/s A frame with navigation lights.
• Treadmaster decking.
• Wind screen.
• Bow locker.
• Grab handles (3 prs.).
• Automatic bilge pump.
• Trim gauges (2).
• Tachometers (2).
• Hour meter.
• Fuel gauges.
• Twin jockey seats.
• Bow reinforcing with fairlead channel.
• S/s sampson post.
• Ski hooks.
• Wear patches.
• Seat/console cover.
• Suunto compass.
• Lowrance Global Map 2000 Chartplotter/ Sonar GPS.
• ICOM 58 VHF with external speaker.
• D.S.Developments "Neptune" VHF cover.

Misc. items:

Flares / anchor / warps / bucket / radar reflector. Fenders / attachment points to deck. Tender (`The Rug'): Bombard AX.

Total Final Cost: £25,178