Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Graham W on 10 Jan 2013, 19:17
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Those of you who have been Swallow Boat owners for longer than me will remember that there was a very successful rally on Lake Bala in central Wales in June 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGwDhhMAp-M I propose that we do it again.
I have been in contact with our potential hosts, Bala Sailing Club, who will discuss it at their next meeting on 27 January. They have slipways, a pontoon, somewhere to park trailers and all the usual sailing club ablutions http://www.balasc.org.uk/
Lake Bala (or Llyn Tegid in Welsh) is over 100 ft deep, four miles long (SW to NE) by one mile wide and surrounded by mountains and high hills. Think Ullswater on a smaller scale. Winds are predominantly from the SW but can be changeable and fluky, which makes the sailing even more interesting. It can be a great place to try out that previously unused spinnaker. Outboards (except electric ones) are not allowed, so oars will be needed in the unlikely event that the winds die completely.
If we go ahead, each participant will be responsible for paying their own fees to BSC. After a day on the water on Saturday (possibly arriving the night before), the usual drill is to haul the boats out on their trailers and park them up at BSC or the campsite ready for relaunch and another sail on Sunday. There are plenty of accommodation options and those that have done this before are enthusiastic about the local pubs.
Please let me know if you are interested, either through this forum, by pm or at my less than reliable email graham wickenden at btopenworld com, with dots in all the usual places.
If you are fairly new to all this, Lake Bala is a great place to find out what your boat can do. I first started sailing my own BR20 there and have spent many happy weekends blasting and/or ghosting up and down the lake, watching the wildlife and enjoying the scenery.
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Very interested, Graham. Not sure at this range whether the dates will work, but could be very good.
I sailed on Lake Bala for the first time in June last year (in 'Cadenza', my SP), and was very taken with it. I certainly mean to go again, and Swallowboat company would be a big bonus.
Michael
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Graham, Paul and Micheal
Looking forward to it!
Although I have met Andrea Cross,s Husband (No relation) I do not have their address.
I think it is at Four Crosses nr Oswestry
Terry Cross IONA
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I am envious of your planned events in the U.K. with so many Swallow Boats participating. It would be nice if that could also happen over here, (U.S.). No such luck so far. Just one Swallow Boat participating in the trailer sailor event in Lake Havasu, me!
http://sailhavasu.com/
Regards,
David.
BR 20 Nomad
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Just one Swallow Boat participating in the trailer sailor event in Lake Havasu, me!
If I've read the stats correctly, there will be 234 non-Swallow Boats there. The best represented model is the Macgregor 26, a speedboat with a mast and sails. The mind boggles!
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I am very interested, but need to sort out a conflict with an art weekend!
Ed
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Eight boats have registered a provisional interest in the rally so far - 4 BR20's (I think), a BRe, an S15, an S17 and a Trouper.
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Bala Sailing Club have said that they will be happy to welcome us for the weekend of 15/16 June. If you want to launch from the club and use its facilities, you will need to pay to the club temporary membership fees, which are £20 per double-hander boat per day.
The campsite used last time was this one, which is at the NE end of the lake and within walking distance of BSC http://www.penybont-bala.co.uk/ They have a Romany caravan and tents for hire for those that don't want to use their own tent. There are several other campsites around the lake but none quite as convenient as Pen y Bont. Here's a list for the area http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Bala&county=Gwynedd
For those that want a proper roof over their heads, here's a list of hotels and B&B's in the area, some of them quite highly rated http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g672155-Bala_Snowdonia_National_Park_North_Wales_Wales-Hotels.html
We'll organise some sort of Saturday night pub supper a bit nearer the time, when we have a better idea of numbers.
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I've negotiated the Bala Sailing Club temporary membership fees down to £15 per double-hander boat per day.
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Well done, Graham. Er, can I ask about rates for single-handers? I can take it up with them if you like, but they know you!
Thanks for the other info. I'm going to pull seniority and 65 years of roughing it (a certain Monty Python sketch comes irresistibly to mind), and have a roof over my head and a few other creature comforts.
Looking forward to it!
Michael
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Hi All,
Even though I attended school in London, we had a satellite school I also attended in Aberllafenni, (near Corris). I did not realize how close you all are to my old school there. Great part of the country and many great memories. All seems so long ago....
David.
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Er, can I ask about rates for single-handers? I can take it up with them if you like, but they know you!
I asked and the answer is £7.50.
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I'm going to.....have a roof over my head and a few other creature comforts.
Me too!
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Hi, Graham,
Does BSC allow sleeping on board?
Some clubs do - some don't, depending on staffing arrangements, security of the site etc.
I stayed at the Pen-y-bont campsite in 2009. It's fine. A scenic site with decent shop and facilities, if I remember correctly, but i'd rather sleep in my cabin ......
Here's a few picture from that er... was it a Raid or a Rally?
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Hi Tony,
The reply from BSC was as follows: "Sorry, but Snowdonia National Park do not permit sleeping on boats or on our foreshore."
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Hmm. Thanks for the info, Graham. Better make sure I Have plenty of coffe after my lunch, then!
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HELLO BALA ORGANISER,
PLEASE BOOK ME IN ( IF I NOT ALREADY DONE SO).
STEVE JONES
BR17 NONA ME
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Steve,
You're now on the list. Ten boats have registered provisional interest so far.
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Hmm. Thanks for the info, Graham. Better make sure I Have plenty of coffe after my lunch, then!
Tony,
This may not be a definite 'no' - I have opened negotiations with the park warden to see if we can get a dispensation for sleepovers on a limited number of boats, probably moored alongside on the BSC pontoon. Watch this space!
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Graham
Good to see you are organising a rally at Bala, I confess to not being a forum addict so have only just spotted this. I organise the annual rally on the Teifi Estuary (29th and 30th June this year) and will soon be sending out details to anyone who is interested.
Like you I enjoyed the 2009 rally 'organized' by Matt. Last year I went back to Bala and sailed there for the W/E ans based myself at the campsite in the SE corner of the lake (not far from where we lunched in 2009). The facilities there are fine and the beach is excellent for launch and recovery at no extra cost. Booking at the site is recommended as it is popular,
I am not sure that I will be able to join you in June as I am using my away days ration by going up to Ullswater for the Drascombe rally there in early July.
Regards
Gareth Rowlands
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Gareth
Welcome! And I'm tempted to say, about time (in general forum terms)! Your post has saved me from having to drop you a line about the dates for the Teifi Rally, and gives an opportunity to extol the pleasures of the Teifi Rally on the forum. It really is great fun, in a beautiful spot and based at a really friendly boat club. Highly recommended.
Michael
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I have successfully negotiated an exemption from the Park authority's ban on sleeping on boats on Lake Bala. Four boats maximum may moor alongside the BSC's pontoon overnight on Saturday 15th June with sleepers aboard, using the club's ablution facilities. I have reserved one of these places for Tony, who started this ball rolling, so there are three other places available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a place, contact me here, by pm on this forum or, less reliably, at graham wickenden at btopenworld com, with dots in all the usual places.
There are two possible eating options on Saturday evening - Bala is not over-endowed with good eateries. We could eat at the club itself or at Eagles Inn, quite a good pub about 10 minutes away by car http://yr-eagles.co.uk/Saesneg.html If we're doing the latter, we'll need to make reservations. Let me know what you think.
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Not sure of the best way for you to conduct a referendum on the forum, Graham. I don't know the Bala set-up, but on balance I'd go for the Eagles. I hope the beer is decent: for reasons I can't now remember, I 'owe' Tony several pints.
Michael
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I'd be in favour of the Eagles as well. So far, we have two cars at our disposal to ferry people there - mine and Matthew's.
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Hello Graham,
I've eaten and drunk in the Eagles and various pubs in Bala, in my opinion there is little difference between them, none are Corden Blue, or egg on ronnies, but quite reasonable.
The main advantage of the Bala pubs being that they are within staggering distance from the boats/camp/club.
One pub served only lager, so I avoided that one, another had a Cornish beer which is quite popular.
Hope this doesn't confuse the issue.
Steve BR17 Nona Me
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Hi Steve,
The only other place that rates a mention (on Tripadvisor) is Plas Yn Dre in Bala, which some judge to be overpriced. Eagles comes out ahead in the Good Pub Guide as "worth a visit". Several people mention the Welsh atmosphere and it is usually full of locals. The real problem is that Bala is not spoilt for choice.....
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Not sure of the best way for you to conduct a referendum on the forum, Graham. I don't know the Bala set-up, but on balance I'd go for the Eagles. I hope the beer is decent: for reasons I can't now remember, I 'owe' Tony several pints.
Michael
Hi, Michael.
I cant remember the reasons, either.....but hey, "Any pint in a Storm". (Er.. It's supposed to be "Any Port in a Storm" I think but I cant stand the stuff. Much prefer bitter or a decent IPA.
Seem to think I owe Steve Jones a pint or two but, again, haven't a clue why. I dare say it'll all come back to us after a few.
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Agree about good bitter, Tony, but since I experienced a micro-brewery IPA in Seattle which was, by a nautical mile, the best beer I have EVER tasted anywhere, any IPAs here have been unimpressive (I am, by the way, not an uncritical fan of things-USA: far too many guns and funny ideas about them, for starters. And their big-brewery beers are well nigh undrinkable). Still, doubtless recommendations as well as decent beer will flow at Bala.
The pints I owe - I do now recollect 1) your ideas which led to a very useful re-design of the topping lift on 'Cavatina': 2) acknowledgement of having been bested by you in the field of wormology. Anyway, who needs excuses. Cheers in anticipation.
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I'm sorry to hear that it takes a ten hour flight to Seattle for you to get a decent beer! Where do you live? Surrey?
I live in a blessed part of the world - well, it is now - thanks to the advent of :- http://www.welbeckabbeybrewery.co.uk/
Until I met Claire I thought that brewers were either a dying breed of ancient craftsmen or the sort of bloated capitalists that gave us Watneys Red Barrel... Keg bitter! Ugh! The liquid equivalent of thin white sliced bread and a triumph of marketing and shelf-life over taste and quality... and who stole the word "lager" to describe the gnats water they fob off on Friday night Heroes and alcoholics.
This brilliant young Master Brewer is producing a range of beers, from "Portland Black", a porter-like dark beer, to "Cavendish" a citrus blonde. "...a blonde to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained-glass window.."
My favourite, everyday beer is "Henrietta", a four gallon pin of which habitually lives in my garage. If I've run out, I can totter the few hundred yards to my preferred local* http://www.forestlodgehotel.co.uk/ who have a version of it as their house beer (along with at least four other guest beers)
* the village has five other pubs, one of the advantages of still having a working colliery.
I'll bring a selection of her bottled stuff to Bala for you to try but I can't guarantee how well it travels - as any that has ever made it in through my back door has never seen light of day again!
Claire is what we call round here "A Good Lass". Not only does she brew great beer (traditionally a womans job, don't forget) but fund raises for local charities, sponsors Bolsover football team and even lets me have spent hops for my allotment - in exchange for a few leeks or a couple of cabbages.
(I'm trying to organise a "French beans for Beer" exchange scheme but she drives a hard bargain. Ay, Lad! It's grim oop North! They don't breed owt in way of wiltin' violets 'round 'ere! )
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The IPA experience was serendipitous - we went to Seattle while our son was at the Uni there for a year. Also memorable were two visits to the Wooden Boat Center (I have to grit my teeth to spell it their way), where, among other things they were restoring a Herreshof (?spelling) 12 1/2 - I think the most beautiful small boat I have ever seen.
But good grief, Tony, your post is one of the most blatant bits of advertising for your local micro-brewery one could imagine. I'm with you about microbreweries in general though, we've several round here. And I believe we have a Gordon-Brown-taxbreak to thank for their recent burgeoning. It's a funny old world!
Please will other prospective Bala Rally participants, however, rest assured that I, for one, am coming in order to SAIL. And between us we have a good chance of keeping Tony in order - ?
Michael
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Yeah.... I'm on commission. (I wish....! )
I'm with you about the Herreshoff 12 1/2. Very pretty and by all accounts very nice to sail, too....but an all round trailer sailer?
Read:-
http://www.artisanboatworks.com/classic-designs/sailboats/herreshoff-12-12
I'd stick with a BayRaider. Try launching the Hereshoff off a beach! It's designed (beautifully) for a different market.
How many boats signed up for Bala so far ?
Please note:
I am not bringing apres-sail beer for everyone! No. Not even with a whole penny a pint off.
("Arr! Thank ee Guv'nor!" He said, tugging his rude, North Country forelock as he reigned in his whippets. "A Budget tax-break for us, just like them millionaire fellas in the big city!")
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How many boats signed up for Bala so far ?
Eleven boat skippers have expressed an interest. If the weather is forecast to be like in the 2009 rally, there will be more. Being a Manichean (and after last summer and this winter), my money's on there being fewer.
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Tony, yes quite so, the Herreshof is a mini-keelboat. Although there is now, I believe, a centreboard derivative by an 'approved' sort of boat designer in the US, using some kind of more 'modern' boatbuilding techniques. In fact, wasn't someone about to start building one talking to us somewhere on the Forum? - had a look for it, couldn't find it (for goodness' sake my proclivity for not-being-able-to find-things now extends to the Forum). Thanks for the picture, which doesn't actually do justice to the sweet lines, especially the sheer.
The Bala Rally promises to be quite an event - not only sailing and beer talk, but abstruse philosophical concepts to be bandied about. What, Graham, is a Manichean when he's at home? Please, however, do not assume that I have any tendency towards floccipaucinihilipilification just because I don't know what you're talking about.
Michael
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If we are still looking for a pub serving substantial portions, interesting local beer and sympathetic to muddy dogs and scruffy (but genteel) folk can I suggest the Bryntirio Inn? It is 5 miles (10 mins drive) from Bala Sailing Club and it is homely rather than posh. They also have a dining room which may suit us. See www.bryntirioinn.co.uk.
Matthew
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What, Graham, is a Manichean when he's at home?
Technically, a follower of a dualist religious sect that finally died out in 14th century China and thus no longer at home. These days, people who see things, including (or especially) the weather, in black & white.
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If we are still looking for a pub serving substantial portions, interesting local beer and sympathetic to muddy dogs and scruffy (but genteel) folk can I suggest the Bryntirio Inn? It is 5 miles (10 mins drive) from Bala Sailing Club and it is homely rather than posh. They also have a dining room which may suit us. See www.bryntirioinn.co.uk.
Matthew
Looks better and is a smidgeon closer than Eagles. Good suggestion. The link is http://www.bryntirioninn.co.uk/
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Bryntirion Inn have said that they would be happy to look after us for supper on Saturday evening but because we are a big group, they would like us either to be early (6pm) or late (8.30 pm). I think 6pm is much too early (difficult to imagine, but the sun will still be high in the sky) so I suggest that we ask for the 8.30pm slot. Anybody disagree?
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8.30 is fine - go for it.
Michael
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Done.
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The four pontoon spaces for boat sleepovers are now taken. Matt has got special dispensation to bring his BC23, which is 3ft longer than lake regulations allow. Outboards are not allowed, so it will be interesting to see him trying to row it off the pontoon. I think the rest of us will have difficulty keeping up with him under sail.
I had my first sail of the year (finally!) on Lake Bala yesterday. The lake temperature was 5°C and the air temperature not much higher, with pockets of snow still visible up in the mountains. Wind was up to F5 apparent from the SW, being funneled between the steep sides of the lake. There were several other boats out, including a possible Swallow Boat with cream sails in the far distance at the NE end of the lake.
I tried out my new plank bowsprit and conventionally-rigged foresail on the lake for the first time. It was totally unscientific (I couldn't get my GPS to work) but I got the impression that I was travelling quite a bit faster through the water on most points of sail than with the self-tacking jib but that I couldn't point quite as high, particularly on the starboard tack for some reason. And is it my imagination or are Hyde sails of better quality than the Dolphin-made ones? BRe's all seem to come with Hyde sails, so perhaps they are now the standard clothing for all Swallow Boats.
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Hi Graham W
The BR20 you saw on Lake Bala was US!. We have been members of the club since 2011 and have been sailing our BR since then. We were sitting in the clubhouse having a cuppa when your boat hove into view and we wondered who you were. Where did you launch from? Also, found out about the rally yesterday (20th April) and will do our best to be there.
Look forward to hearing more.
John Roberts
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Hi Graham,
Glad to see you got out sailing. Sounds cold. Your bow sprit looks good. How did you secure to the bow? Did the yard do this for you? I am looking forward to a picture of you sailing with the flying jib.
Here is a video from yesterday of me out sailing. Got to love the weather in Southern California. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQU6r8VA0oI
David.
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David,
We mostly have to go abroad for weather like that, except sometimes.
The plank bowsprit (yard produced) is secured at the aft end by an M10 bolt through a new stout wooden anchor point on the foredeck. It slips over the existing steel fittings at the top of the stemhead and is then held down at the forward end by a wire bobstay running back down to the winching eye. The bow fairleads have been relocated slightly, otherwise they would be in the way.
The bowsprit is really solid and I reckon it can cope with much more than the carbon spinnaker pole. I now have the choice of flying the standard self-tacking jib or the new conventionally-rigged jib, as well as the flying jib or the asymmetric.
I was hoping to rig the flying jib yesterday but it ended up far too windy. Even with a first reef in the mainsail, I still managed to dip the gunwale. Back on topic, I'll have another go on Lake Bala when the next wave of bad weather has passed over. Don't hold your breath!
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Hi Graham W
The BR20 you saw on Lake Bala was US!. We have been members of the club since 2011 and have been sailing our BR since then. We were sitting in the clubhouse having a cuppa when your boat hove into view and we wondered who you were. Where did you launch from? Also, found out about the rally yesterday (20th April) and will do our best to be there.
Look forward to hearing more.
John Roberts
John,
I thought it looked like a BR but it was a long way away and by the time I had had lunch and sailed to the other end of the lake, you had gone. I launched off the public slipway opposite the boat club.
Welcome to the rally!
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Hi
I wish to make the Bala meet 15/16 June. I hope there is still room. My boat was land-locked until just recently when my farmer friend dug out the drive with his JCB. I used the boat for the first time on the river Avon just north of Tewkesbury - not very successful due to the width of river and wind direction. I hope to take it to Brixham this weekend to get some training in, weather permitting. All this before I tackle the Caledonian Canal raid end of May. I ordered a set of oars; goodness knows how I am going stow them on BRe! After rigging and sorting it all out I feel I am a complete novice again. It must be because it’s my very own boat.
Reg (Alice Amy BRe )
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Reg,
Welcome to the rally. There's no more room for sleeping aboard on the pontoon but I'm sure there is plenty of space at the next door campsite http://www.penybont-bala.co.uk/
I feel like a novice at the start of every season. See you in Scotland.
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Graham
Will I be able to leave my boat at BSC on its trailer while I camp at the local campsite or can one launch directly from the campsite? Sorry I expect you have covered this, but there's a lot to read through on this Bala posting.
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Graham
Will I be able to leave my boat at BSC on its trailer while I camp at the local campsite?
Yup. No launching from that campsite. You could launch from a campsite at the other end of the lake but that's three miles away.
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This is the weather that I am hoping for on Lake Bala next month - sunny with a moderate breeze from the SW. The second photo shows the launching facilities and pontoon at the Bala Sailing Club, which we will be using. Both photos were taken yesterday.
I have just bought an annual launching pass for the public slipway opposite the club. At £35, a real bargain.
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Dear Graham
With apologies for late notice, is it too late to join the fleet at Bala?
Best wishes
Bill Rollo
BR20 Askari
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Bill,
Not at all. Welcome!
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Graham
Great! Please count me in.
Bill
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Camping at Lake Bala in June?
It's "No-See-Um" City!
They'll eat you alive if the wind drops. I'm taking a gallon of Avon "Skin So Soft". It's a good repellent, doesn't smell that bad and, in an emergency, can be used to waterproof your boots. ( not recommended for lighting the barbie, though).
Don't worry. I won't forget the beer.
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I don't think it's as bad as parts of Scotland. I also recommend Smidge.
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I will be posting an information sheet (including a possible programme of activities) in the next few days. I can confidently predict that it will be informal and relaxed.
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The info sheet is ready and has already been sent to those for whom I have valid email addresses. If you would like to receive one, please let me know your email address by pm or, less reliably, through my junk email address graham wickenden at btopenworld com, with dots in all the usual places.
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There may be forum members out there who would like to crew on a Swallow Boat but don't have one of their own yet. Equally, there may be Swallow Boat owners who would like some extra crew. I'm among the latter - I haven't managed to persuade anyone to come with me yet for the Saturday sail. Evidently my Sail Caledonia Cap'n Bligh image has preceded me. Anyone want to put some rowing practice in?
So if anyone would like to crew as part of a press gang, let me know and I will try to match you up with a willing skipper.
I attach a copy of the info sheet for anyone who hasn't yet received one but would like to take a look.
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I will be sailing Cavatina (Trouper 12, junk rig) solo at Bala. I'm used to sailing on my own, but needless to say (I hope), anyone who wants to come along and have a go will be most welcome. Others may prefer to admire (or otherwise) from a safe distance. She went superlatively on Saturday last, well reefed in F5-6.
Looking forward to it!
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I thought I should mention something about the jetties opposite the clubhouse as I understand that some participants at the rally are intending mooring their boats to these overnight and possibly sleeping over. This will be fine as long as the weather stays good and the lake water level is no higher than it is today (1.37 m at Dee Bridge). If, however, we get some rain in the next few days, the lake level may be permitted to rise by the authorities in which case the jetty gangways and ends may become submerged. (Bala is used as a buffer reservoir and water is held back with a consequent rise in level after heavy rains in order not to flood the farmland downstream). Jetty 1 (the furthest north) can become completely submerged as it's fixed to the lake bottom. Jetties 2 & 3 have floating termini but the approach gangways are fixed and can get submerged.
We have been sailing our BR20 (#63) for 2 years on Bala and have come to rely on the EA's website for checking levels at the Dee bridge on the NE end of the lake. We prefer to launch from the jetties if possible. The weblink is at:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/riverstation.aspx?StationId=4165&RegionId=8&AreaId=12&CatchmentId=72http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/riverstation.aspx?StationId=4165&RegionId=8&AreaId=12&CatchmentId=72
We were sailing yesterday (4/6) and the water level at Dee Bridge was 1.38 m. The jetties were just usable as you can see from the attached. You can see that Jetty 1 is pretty much submerged while Jetty 2 is useable.
Looking forward to seeing you all and I'd really welcome someone showing us how to fly our spinnaker.
John & Isla Roberts
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Thanks for the warning - I've e-mailed the pontoon sleepover people to have a look at your post.
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I will be sailing Cavatina (Trouper 12, junk rig) solo at Bala.
Hi, Mike.
Wouldn't mind a close look at your sail. "Four Sisters" is in need of a new suit so converting to Junk rig from balanced lug is an option. (As if I didn't already have enough bits of string to play with!)
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Go one better, Tony - HAVE a sail! See you at Bala.
Michael
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Hi, Graham, Michael, et al.
A thunderstorm and violent shower have driven me indoors, temporarily, so I had another look at the Lake Bala web cam and the weather for the weekend.
Have decided to put the 90 kg of lead ballast back in (because of the predicted gusts) and give the top of my head another coat of Sikkens Cetol 7 (Oregon Pine) as extra waterproofing.
Will not be bringing beer as promised earlier. There's no room for it with all the bottles of NikWax, Fabsil and the silicon sealant I'm sure to need. (Have a persistent leak from the mainsheet track that drips on my face at night.)
Hmmm. Might be simpler to bring enough alcohol so that I don't care about the drips? Won’t be the first time I‘ve had to sleep in a dry suit - but that, as they say, is another story.
(Pub Warning! Google has the Bryntirion Inn in the wrong place. It’s actually just past the junction of the B4401 and the B4402, not next to the holiday park, as shown on their website. This could prove to be vital information. They also say they "welcome well behaved dogs" ....so we should be OK once we're in.)
PS Will bring mask and snorkel to surreptitiously tie a bucket to the stern of Matt's Bc23. I still wont catch him in "Four Sisters" but it might give the BayRaiders a chance!
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As Tony has hinted, the weather will not be universally brilliant on Lake Bala this weekend but there should be something for everyone!
The forecast seems to be resolving itself, several forecasting sites having contradicted each other over the past few days:
Saturday - blustery, possibly strong gusts from the SW from around lunchtime; reasonably sunny, a chance of showers but not very warm
Sunday - much less windy from the SW(ish), especially towards the end of the day; not much sun but not much rain either and perhaps a bit warmer
So Saturday is probably a day for testing reefing and/or ballast tanks, while Sunday may be a day for hanging out as much sail as possible. As the wind is from the SW or thereabouts, it will be coming in a more or less straight line from the other end of the lake and should be reasonably constant in direction. Those that want to recreate the authentic Sail Caledonia experience should leave it as late as possible on Sunday evening before rowing, I mean sailing the length of the lake back to the club.
Those of you on the pontoon on Saturday night might be in for a bit of a windy night. Unfortunately, work has got in the way so Matt will be unable to come after all. That means that there is a spare pontoon space for some brave soul.
Useful weather forecast links:
http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/bala
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2656615
http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/bala
And some useful links for what it is doing at the moment:
http://www.balawatersports.com/index.php/webcam
http://www.balasc.org.uk/cumulus/
http://www.balasc.org.uk/cumulus/gauges.htm
I'll be arriving at the club Friday afternoon to rig the boat and generally fiddle about ready for launch the next morning. I'll be in a B&B but think that supper (and maybe the odd beer) at the Bryntirion Inn on Friday evening sounds like a good idea if anyone wants to join me. Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.
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Hi, Graham.
Mine's a pint if you're there first......which I doubt!
I'll be rolling in on a beam reach from Edwinstowe by mid afternoon if I get all my jobs done early.
Is Matt pleading pressure of work? Serves him right! Should never have designed a better boat than the CBL, should he!
(By the way, if its blowing a Hooley someone can have my spot on the pontoon, too. I'll be hauling out at night to make sure I can face the boat dead into the wind. Keeps the rain off my washboards. )
Cheers!
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ADVERT: I have two splendid SBA burgees left, which I shall bring with me to Bala. If anyone wants one, they are available at a special knock-down, totally unrepeatable postage-free price of £13 each.
Get your piece of history! These are the very burgees that started the forum's Great Kerfuffle of 2012
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I think I just saw Tony arriving at the club from across the lake, so five Swallow Boats are here already. Gladys and Nona Me have been out in blustery conditions, ballasted and reefed.
Time for the pub.
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Our first day was a mixture of heavy rain and sun, with the winds touching F7. Ballast tanks and double reefs were essential but the five BayRaiders that made it to the other end had a spectacular sleigh ride back, which I hope I have captured on video.
Tomorrow should be a less windy and probably less rainy.
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Graham,
Looking forward to seeing the video.
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Day 2 was altogether less lively, with winds around F3 and no rain.
I have published the first photos of the rally to the gallery - filed under 'Events'. The first 10 photos are of Day 1, culminating in supper at the Bryntirion Inn. The remainder of the photos are of us wafting around in light airs and picnicking on Day 2.
Please feel free to add to them.
I will post a video from day 1 once I have worked out how to do it.
For those with time on their hands, I have also posted a series of time lapse photos (one minute intervals), which only gets interesting when other boats come into sight. This is at https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A4GqkRUiGcKvdd
It was fun - let's do it again!
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Exciting sailing, great boats and very good company.
Thank you Graham for organising this.
Matthew
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I second that. Thank you, Graham. It was fun to meet people who hitherto, for me, had been names and (erudite) posts. Enjoyable camaraderie - and, on the second day morning, some really excellent sailing.
Bala Lake SC were very accommodating in a low key way. Annual event? - I'd be up for it.
Michael
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I have posted a short video to YouTube http://youtu.be/gsY0-lYaW24 of some BR's in action on Lake Bala. It shows BRe Alice Amy chasing (but not quite catching) BR20 Ristie on the downwind leg home on Saturday afternoon, with BR20 Gladys chasing my BR20, Turaco III. The wind was blowing F6/F7 for most of this part of the trip and we recorded SOG's of 6.5-7 knots. Sail Caledonia veterans, we were all double reefed and our ballast tanks were full.
At the end of the video, and as if to confirm that we had made the right reefing choices, a lifeboat from the Titanic makes a ghostly appearance on the port bow.
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Looks a good weekend and I'm sorry not to have able to make it. I have added the video link to our YouTube page:
http://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/?page_id=328
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Looks like a good rally, if a little damp. Sorry I couldn't make it myself.
If anyone has any energy left, there is still some space available on the Teifi rally - contact me direct on hp.rowlands@virgin.net
Gareth Rowlands
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Just Back from Bala......
We've obviously been talking to the wrong Druids as the weather was in a bit of a Laver on Saturday. I measured 25 knots on the pontoon so it was probably an F 7 out in the open.
Bayraiders in their element under jib and mizzen while “Four Sisters” and I skulked about on shore, sucking our teeth. Just shows what a good boat the BR is.
On Sunday, however, winds had dropped to a three or four and even the tippy boats could come out to play. Mind you, some of us had to row by 4:00 pm, the wind only returning, briefly, as we approached the pontoons. (‘Twas ever thus!)
Good to see some variations on the "out of the box" Bayraiders and some non-Bayraiders, too. The most notable of which had to be Michael Rogers' "Cavatina", a home-built, Junk-rigged Trouper 12. Michael has made a fine job of her and has made a beautifully balanced rig that points a Damn site higher than it has any right to! (Photo below. More later if I can make time.)
Personal thanks to Graham for getting the ball rolling again. Perhaps this should become an annual event or maybe it could be rotated around the country, Bala, Poole Harbour, Brancaster Staithes, Ullswater, Oban....?
Perhaps, too, those with local knowledge would like to do some of the organisation or knock up a facts sheet to share the load a bit......while making it clear that they are not responsible for any health and safety issues or other bureaucratic legal nonsense.
Thanks, too, to the nice people at the Bryntirion Inn for looking after us so well with Penderyn Single Malt Wysgi, (http://www.welsh-whisky.co.uk/) Purple Moose beers (http://www.purplemoose.co.uk/) and who could forget "Our famous ‘Bryn bara’ filled with Welsh Black beef, mushroom and ale casserole £9.75"
Hmmm. Not sure they weren't trying to kill us with that one ... Talk about Mister Creosote ! A "waffer thin mint" would have certainly done the job.
Nice to see everyone. Let’s do it again.
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Looks like you all had a great time, I was with you in spirit at least on Coniston Water, Sunday in Robin. Shame I was on my own though.
Would be quite keen on a gathering in the Lakes.
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A big thank you to Graham for the organisation of the event. Everyone enjoyed themselves enormously.
I have taken a number of photos which I have put into a Picasa album together with those taken by Paul, the Safety Officer for BSC who was on duty that weekend. The link is here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=103783644659304134237&target=ALBUM&id=5890869943822081873&authkey=Gv1sRgCPaal7fXnsC-2gE&feat=email
I hope that this method works as there are a large number of images to go through. If there are any which you fancy and would like the electronic version by email, just send me a request to:
johnroberts833@btinternet.com
I hope that we can all get together on Lake Bala next year and look forwards to seeing/hearing from you again.
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Just had another look at Graham’s video (checking out Titanic’s Life boat).
It all looks very calm and controlled on those BayRaiders, doesn't it, but I can tell you that the weather was indeed Wagnerian that morning.
An apt choice of soundtrack, I thought , but more “Apocalypse Now!” than “Der Ring des Nibelungen”.
“Smell, that, Son? Smell that? I love the smell of (Napalm) embrocation in the morning! Smells like.....victory!”
(With apologies to Francis Ford Coppola and a nod to David’s “...old guys having fun” link. )
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I can confirm Tony's comments on the weather at Bala on Day 1. Steep little waves with spray blowing off their crests, streaks of foam down the lake, and all the lakeside trees tossing about. Well done, the intrepid BR skippers and crew.
Day 2 started with a lovely F3-4, and before anyone else was on the water Cavatina and I had a great time prancing all over. The wind died away later, and was down to a whisper when Tony took his pic of Cavatina. Thanks for that and your kind remarks, Tony. I must say I was well pleased with the way Cavatina went to windward - in fact, with her performance overall.
Nothing else to say, except that I'm a bit concerned to see how much like the Ancient Mariner I seem to look these days.
Michael
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Shaky video of sailing on Sunday at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAjIB5XLAtU&feature=youtu.be
Includes at start and finish some of the very pretty smaller boats that ventured out on Sunday. Boats that wisely kept their distance from Gladys are sadly not included. Features sailing muzac instead of Wagner but Tony can turn the sound off if it offends him.
Matthew
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Thanks Graham, I had a wonderful time. I am now grateful that the weather was bad as it tested me and showed the capabilities of the BRe. It also highlighted that I do need to do some tweaking to the rigging. (By the, way it also tested my friend / next door neighbour, Clive. Yes he’s still speaking to me!)
That was an excellent film clip of our boats Ristie, Alice Amy, Turaco, Gladys. When I gain more experience I will be taking on Ristie and redressing the balance.
The Inn was an excellent choice as food was very good and at a very reasonable price.
The Caledonian 2013 was excellent. as I have not commented on it yet. It’s worthwhile for those who have not participated to have a crack at it.
It would be good to hold the Bala rally again but perhaps not on Father’s Day. I would like to see a rally in the south of England such as Poole, or further southwest. But don’t ask me to arrange it because I live in landlocked Herefordshire.
Thanks again to all those who were there and made it a great weekend. I do have some photos and I will need work how to place them in the forum gallery.
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Thanks to Graham for organising a wonderful rally.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it for the Saturday, but Sunday's sailing was great fun, particularly so during the morning's stronger winds.
I've uploaded a photo of my Storm 15 "Gefion" onto the Bala gallery, just to prove that she was there with the big sisters.
Lyn Bodger