Last time I was at Mylor for a Swallow event it occurred to me that Dunstaffnage Marina www.dunstaffnagemarina.co.uk and the adjacent Wide Mouthed Frog Hotel would be a good place to have a gathering of Swallow owners which is more accessible to those of us who are based North of “Watford Gap”.
Over the last 4 years a small group of us have cruised together in the Oban area and have visited many of the lovely anchorages ranging from Loch Ness, N of Mallaig, to The Sound of Iona, West of Mull, in our BR 20 boats. In doing so we have never come across any other Swallows and are keen to share some of our knowledge with others.
The biggest problem that we have come across is to find a good base from which to explore the area where there is secure parking for cars and trailers close to a slipway. Dunstaffnage Marina does tick this box and the facilities at “The Frog” make it an excellent venue for socialising in the manner of Mylor gatherings. I am offering to co-ordinate an informal meet there in the week beginning Sunday May 17th or the following Monday. The date is chosen as it leads up to Sail Caledonia which starts on the 23rd and which usually includes a Swallow or two.
As an informal meet there will be no racing, no safety boat nor fixed programme but shore based advice on many of the places that can be explored from Dunstaffnage. I have retired from the rigours of the ‘wild camping’ enjoyed over the last 4 years and Mary will be my crew (as long as the weather is reasonable) and we will be based at The Frog each night.
I am posting this proposal now as I would like to find out how many owners might be interested in trailing to Dunstaffnage for a gathering of this sort next May. The Frog Hotel opens its bookings at the beginning of November each year and they say that they get booked up quickly for May being well before the worst of the infamous Scottish Midge season! Depending on the level of interest I can explore the option of set menus at The Frog etc.
If you are interested in joining in such a meet, please indicate through this S Y Forum. It will be up to each owner to book for their own needs but I may be able to negotiate group rates in advance if there is enough interest. An expression of interest will of course not be binding and anyway I will not be crystallizing any arrangements before mid October.
Rory C BRe 25 Gobhlan-Gaoithe
“The Great Glen Raids –
The 2019 Raid was another great success with an eclectic selection of boats, while skippers and crews enjoyed fine passages and racing during the day with warm and friendly socialising each evening. The Results are now available and the Galleries page has photos from this year’s event. Don’t miss out next year, join the world’s longest running and best sail & oar raid –
Well done to Jim Black, overall winner of Sail Caledonia 2019 in “Two Brothers”, a Drascombe Lugger.
“Sail Caledonia was again a most enjoyable event with great camaraderie between all boats, crews and support staff. Anyone who appreciates stimulating company, laughter, live music, good food, occasionally challenging sailing, interesting small boats and a memorable experience should come.” Matthew Peacock, 2015 winning skipper.
Sail Caledonia is the annual Scottish ‘Raid’ or expedition for boats powered by sail and/or oars which takes place in the Highlands of Scotland each May. Everyone who has taken part has acclaimed it a fantastic event and an experience not to be missed.
Using the Great Glen’s stunning and varied lochs and the 200 year old Caledonian Canal, a fleet of up to 25 boats sails, rows, races, explores and ceilidhs their way up the glen. Accompanied by safety boats, nothing beats sailing and rowing from the Atlantic at Fort William, through Fort Augustus and the mighty Loch Ness, to the finish in the Beauly Firth at Inverness, the Highland’s capital. Sea-
Sail Caledonia is a friendly, open event for smaller (c. 5m –
We are always looking to build on the success of previous years and attract sailing boats of many shapes and sizes. Please enjoy our web site and if you have any questions simply get in touch.
Festival of the Milford Haven Waterway
The event will again be based from Lawrenny and will be a week of guided and free sailing for traditional vessels with the usual entertainment, camping, bbqs and company from regulars and newcomers.
Registration will be published in due course on the website.
For further information Contact:-
Paula Holt
Tall Ships Wales Trust Coordinator
Mobile: 07766647240
Email: paula@seafairhaven.org.uk
Moray Macphail has very kindly agreed to organise the 2020 English Raid.
Details are at the Raid England website (https://www.raidengland.org/?page_id=890).
The Raid will be based at the Essex Outdoors Centre at Bradwell with the boats kept at Bradwell Marina with sailing on the River Blackwater.
Website address is http://www.raidengland.org
Most of you will have missed a cracking Raid in Rhu in 2019. Don’t make the same mistake in 2020!
The costs below include 5 breakfasts, 4 packed lunches, 5 dinners, mooring fees, car and trailer parking.
£385 per person for those wanting to stay in the Centre (arrive Monday, depart Saturday).
£285 per person for those caravanning/motorhoming/camping
£260 per person for those living aboard (food included at the centre)
There is no charge for children under 5, but while the Centre is happy to accommodate small children, you will need to bring your own gear – high chairs, cots etc
To book your place on the Raid please go to https://www.raidengland.org/?page_id=916, complete the form and send it to me.