All Aboard for Unmissable Tales of Adventure at the Port Edgar Open Weekend
THREE captivating and inspiring stories of adventure, near-death experiences and endurance are set to thrill the crowds at Port Edgar Marina’s 10th anniversary Open Weekend on 4th and 5th May!
Article Source: Port Edgar
Last Updated: 26 April 2024 10:39
From stories of being shot by drunken pirates in the Amazon to becoming the youngest woman in the world to scale both the north and south sides of Mount Everest, visitors to the Marina’s 10th anniversary event on Saturday 4 May are in for a treat as speaker line-up confirmed.
The full adventure talks programme announcement comes as planning continues apace for the Marina’s first Open Weekend since COVID, with two packed days of watersports, street food, kids’ activities, music and shopping lined up on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May 2024.
Ex-Royal Marine John Bathgate, who was shot by drunken pirates in the Amazon last year during his Summit to Sea expedition, will kick off the speaker programme on Saturday at 11am, recounting the moment his once-in-a-lifetime South American challenge almost proved fatal when he and his team-mate were attacked near the Colombian border. Tickets available here.
Then at 1pm, three rowing adventurers Jess Goddard, Charlotte Irving and Taylor Winyard, self-styled the ‘Pacific Triow’, will shed light on the training and preparations needed to get ready for the epic 2,800-mile row they’ll be tackling from Monterey in California to Hawaii later this summer as part of The World’s Toughest Row endurance event. Tickets available here.
Finally, double world record-breaker Mollie Hughes - mountaineer, sports adventurer and author of Blue Scotland - will take to the podium at 3pm, sharing hair-raising tales of her incredible achievements in becoming the youngest woman in the world to successfully scale both the north and south sides of Everest, as well as the youngest woman in the world to ski solo from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole. She will also be discussing her book Blue Scotland – the ultimate guide to exploring Scotland’s wild waters. Tickets available here.
The trio of adventure talks will be hosted by fitness and sports enthusiast and podcaster Alan Nash aka Get After It Nashy.
Tickets are £10 each per event and children under the age of 12 are free.
Mollie Hughes, who is based in Edinburgh, said: “My love of watersports started during my childhood in Devon and is now part of my daily life with running an ethical adventure travel business. I’m excited to share stories from my endeavours at Port Edgar’s Open Weekend as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations and am very much looking forward to speaking about my own water-based travel tales from my book Blue Scotland.”
Port Edgar Marina’s managing director, Russell Aitken, said: “Visitors are really in for a treat with this unmissable line-up of adventure talks and I’m sure audiences will be agog at the tales our speakers have to tell of their incredible feats of endurance and overcoming adversity. We’re expecting tickets to be snapped up quickly, so we definitely recommend pre-booking via Eventbrite before coming along to the event to secure your space.
“The Open Weekend promises to be such a special weekend for everyone at the Marina as we celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary. We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure that it returns with a splash!”
Families are expected to flock to the Port Edgar Open Weekend, which has previously attracted 10,000 visitors from across central Scotland.
As well as the adventure talks, expert instructors from Port Edgar Watersports CIC will be hosting numerous watersports taster sessions offering the chance to try canoeing, sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing, keelboating and powerboating plus Wetwheels Edinburgh CIC will have experiences available throughout the weekend. The sessions cost £30 per adult and £20 for children over 8 years old. It is highly recommended to book in advance of coming along via www.portedgarwatersports.com/bookings/
Once again, the Open Weekend will feature a feast of food and drink options with a wide selection to suit all taste including Fred’s Backyard BBQ; Alanda's Fish & Chips; Pizza Geeks; Taberu; Yu Ca Taco; Choola; Caravan of Courage; Moskito; Mimi's Bakehouse; and MacLaurins coffee.
Shoppers can peruse an extensive range of country, marine and casual clothing and accessories at the Marina’s shop, Beacon. The shop will have amazing offers over the weekend and features brands including Dubarry, Joules, Schoffel and Fairfax & Favor.
In celebration of its 200th anniversary, the RNLI will also be present offering practical skills training relating to water safety for both adults and animals!
Taylors Snacks – formerly known as Mackie’s Crisps - will be adding some further fun and games to the proceedings, with their special ‘potato shy’, ‘snack race’ and crisp grabber. There are also face painters, crazy golf and Make Mess Matter to keep younger visitors entertained.
Due to the popularity of the Open Weekend event, car parks are expected to be very busy, so visitors are being encouraged to travel by public transport. Local residents are encouraged to cycle or walk. For anyone arriving by car, there will be a £5 parking donation for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation – with other opportunities to donate across the site.
Less than 30-minutes from Edinburgh city centre, on the southern banks of the Firth of Forth, Port Edgar Marina boasts stunning views of the Queensferry Crossing and the Kingdom of Fife beyond.
As one of the east coast’s largest marinas, with berths for over 300 boats, Port Edgar is also the home of Port Edgar Yacht Club and a number of major marine businesses.
The Port Edgar Open Weekend, 4 & 5 May 2024, 10am-5pm. Parking charge of £5 on entry will be donated to My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. For further information, visit www.portedgar.co.uk and the events page on Facebook.
Adventure talks tickets can be booked here:
John Bathgate at 11am: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/john-bathgate-adventure-talk-port-edgar-open-weekend-tickets-888383377597
Pacific Triow at 1pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pacific-triow-adventure-talk-port-edgar-open-weekend-tickets-888398041457
Mollie Hughes at 3pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mollie-hughes-adventure-talk-port-edgar-open-weekend-tickets-888297711367
To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended to pre-book a watersports taster session by contacting Port Edgar Watersports CIC on www.portedgarwatersports.com/bookings or call 0131 319 1820.
It is £20 per child aged 8-16 and £30 per adult.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
St James Quarter Sessions: Pop up vinyl lounge brings soulful sounds to the heart of Edinburgh
St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions!
READ MORE
Morningside venue in Edinburgh gets tails wagging with pet charity event
A community venue in Edinburgh's Morningside is getting tails wagging with a 'Pooch Coffee Morning' being staged especially for local neighbourhood dogs on Sunday 24th August.
READ MORE
Italian singer wins first ever Wonderwall World Championships
A NEW rock ‘n’ roll star was born in Edinburgh on Saturday as the world’s first Wonderwall World Champion was crowned.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
The Taste of Edinburgh Fringe, a must have map
From rooftop bars to street food halls, Michelin-trained chefs to quirky cocktail spots, this is your interval indulgence sorted.
READ MORE
First winners of The 2025 Besties announced
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the first of the weekly new Festival Awards, The Besties.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils an Elevated Fringe Festival Experience
This August, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites fringe-goers and city explorers to indulge in a specially curated menu and weekly live music.
READ MORE
Castle view bar reveals Supernova makeover for Oasis fans in Edinburgh
Cold Town House, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop bars, is being given a ‘Supernova’ makeover in time for Oasis fans arriving in the capital for 3 nights of gigs.
READ MORE
Pop up karaoke booths come to Edinburgh Fringe Festival
This Edinburgh Fringe, festival goers can sing their hearts out to the top thirty karaoke belters mathematically proven to boost people’s moods.
READ MORE
Pink Wednesday at Gilded Balloon
Join Gilded Balloon’s staff and performers as they bring out their most fabulously pink outfits to fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care on Wednesday 6th August!
READ MORE
Traverse Theatre announces industry events for Travfest25
The Traverse Theatre hosts two exciting industry-facing events as part of its Travfest25 programme this August!
READ MORE
Scottish Clothing Brand Remakes 90s Jacket ahead of Oasis Return
Scottish outdoor clothing brand, Keela, has announced that it has remade one of its most iconic jackets – the Falkland Parka 95 – at its factory in Glenrothes, on a limited production run.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn launch Wonderwall World Championships to celebrate Oasis reunion gigs in Edinburgh
OASIS fans are being invited to belt out Wonderwall in a one day singing showdown, as Innis & Gunn launch the first ever Wonderwall World Championships in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Graham Norton returns to Virgin Radio for a one off special broadcast live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Graham Norton is making a triumphant return to Virgin Radio for a one-off Sunday special, broadcasting live from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on 24th August, and Virgin Red members can be part of it.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort Coaches help Scotland secure best ever finish at Euro Surf 2025
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, is proudly celebrating the return of its surf heroes as key members of the coaching team took centre stage at Euro Surf 2025.
READ MORE
BrewDog launches Beer Nation in Edinburgh Waverley
BrewDog has launched a nationwide campaign called Beer Nation - offering free beer, £1 pints, and surprise pop-ups - hitting Edinburgh on Tuesday 5th August!
READ MORE
Cast revealed for Steps Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse
The producers of the brand-new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce the full cast for the UK & Ireland tour, opening at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2026.
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORE
Padethon returns on 2nd August in support of Right To Play UK
On Saturday 2nd August, players across Scotland will take to the courts at Hatton Sports Club for Padethon 2025, a 25-hour marathon of non-stop padel to raise funds for Right To Play UK.
READ MORE
W Edinburgh partners with The Stand in Fringe Takeover
This August, the five-star W Edinburgh announces it is officially partnering with The Stand, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic comedy venues, in celebration of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival Unites Artists and Audiences in Search of Truth as Festival Launches
The curtain rises on the this year’s International Festival, welcoming audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek.
READ MORE
13 Food Vendors Not to Miss at the Fringe
Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, delivering award-winning and mouth-watering food and drink at their iconic festival venues.
READ MORE
TRUST pop up restaurant will be in town in August
This August, one of Scotland’s most exciting culinary talents is bringing an unmissable dining experience to the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth joins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Stellar Shows and a Unique Venue Experience
This August, Dynamic Earth is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as Venue 315, transforming once again into a vibrant Fringe hub at the foot of Salisbury Crags.
READ MORE
Game changer for Edinburgh with first portable city edition Escape Room launch
The first ‘Escape Room - Edinburgh Edition’ board game is being launched exclusively at just four venues across the capital this August, just in time for the start of this year's Festival.
READ MORE
Glimmers films set to spread moments of joy throughout Travfest25
Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
READ MORE
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild as popular Scottish food hall hosts pop-up cider bar and free Fringe ceilidh this August.
READ MORE
A Mile for Every Year: Robin Dow Marks 25 Years of Mindroom with Epic Fundraiser
81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links