One of this year's premier HBA events will be a visit to Lough Erne commencing the first weekend of August.

In each location we can leave boats safely during the week. WI have kindly offered to assist with HBA needs.

You must be a paid up member to attend so make sure your subs are up to date.

So far there are 23 barges confirmed for the trip. From past experience it is one fleet visit not to miss.

It is strongly recommended to all skippers to obtain an up to date chart of the Erne. The OS Activity Map and navigation Guide to the Erne is available on-line from the IWAI web site. It is large scale, easily read and offers information on the surrounding countryside as well as the river and loughs.

All participants will receive a complimentary information pack on arrival at Lock 4 SEW with details of all venues being visited. Other activities at each venue may well take place subject to ongoing negotiation.

Contact Tom Bailey on +44 2866385958 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to book your space and experience the beauty and solitude of the Erne in 2014.

Itinerary:

Weekend 1. Friday 1st – Sun 3rd –Lock 4 SEW

The fleet will gather at Riversdale Barges on the SEW on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd August by kind invitation of Graham Thomas. Riversdale is at Aghoo Lock, number 4 on the SEW. The weekend is a bank holiday so some barges may push on to Belturbet on the Sunday or Monday 4th.

The Lock Erne Branch of the IWAI have offered assistance to all fleet boats attending in locking through the SEW by providing volunteers on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd. Hopefully all locks will be manned between 10.00 and 16.00.

Weekend 2. Friday 8th – Sun 10th – Belturbet

The fleet will gather on the jetties at Belturbut. Waterways Ireland have offered assistance in creating sufficient space for the fleet.

On Saturday 9th the local Transport Museum has offerd a guided tour and talk for crew interested. One of their possessions is the wheel from the last steamer which hauled Arigna coal from Belturbet to Enniskillen.

Some of the fleet may continue to Crom and the Share Centre on the 9th/10th and press on to Carrybridge.

Weekend 3. Friday 15th – Sun 17th – LEYC

Lough Erne Yacht Club has once again offered their hospitality to the fleet. the excellent club bar will be opened for the HBA. There will also be access to showers, toilets and the club kitchen which has a washing machine.

Saturday 16th: Thanks to the Erne Branch IWAI a coach will be laid on to take crews on a visit to the Marble Arch Caves. Trip will be limited to 55 so first come first served. One not to be missed.

Saturday evening: LEYC will lay on a barbecue and band at their club house. A reasonable charge will apply for adults and all proceeds will go to charity.

Weekend 4. Friday 22nd – Sun 24th – Belleek

The good townspeople of Belleek will hold their annual town festival to coincide with the arrival of the HBA fleet. A weekend of fun and festivities is guaranteed. We may have to split the fleet due to the two small harbour in Belleek. If so half the fleet will be in the UK and half in the ROI even though we will only be 100m apart!

It is hoped to visit the ESB power station in Ballyshannon over the weekend to experience the power of the Erne before it enters Donegal Bay.

A visit to Belleek Pottery is also a must for all crews.

Weekend 5. Fri 29th – Sun 31st – Enniskillen

A visit north would not be complete without visiting the historic town of Enniskillen.

Waterway Ireland have offered to host a reception at their impressive HQ on the banks of the Erne.

A tour of the Enniskillen Museum is very interesting to experience the military history of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Its also very hands-on for younger crew.