For anyone still pondering whether it is too late to enter for Sail Caledonia 2013 (25th May to 1st June), it isn't!
Two more boats have entered since January but Claus has withdrawn his BR20 Llafurio, which means that a third of the 15 entrants are Swallow Boats - all BayRaiders of one kind or another and all eligible to compete for the BayRaider Trophy donated by Matt. A limited number of comfortable floating accommodation places are still available for those who don't want to camp.
Anyone who has taken part in the raid will tell you that it is very well organised, you get well fed, it is great fun despite being somewhat challenging at times and that going across the picturesque middle of Scotland from sea to shining sea engenders a huge sense of achievement. Enthusiasts enter every year!
This year, there is a small pool of boatless participants who are keen to crew in any boat that will have them (the Press Gang), although some have expressed a preference for Swallow Boats. If you can't find crew or don't want to participate solo, this may be an opportunity.
One last thing - you are guaranteed to be extensively photographed by John Macpherson from his committee boat, as well as by several others. You will therefore have as souvenirs some cringe-making shots of your boat badly trimmed, as well as some shots, like the two below (both courtesy of John M), that you will want to have framed. I had a Photobox photobook made up of mine last year, which I gave to my crew.
