Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Graham W on 26 Jun 2013, 12:07
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I propose a repeat of the 2013 informal get-together of like-minded Swallow Boat owners, to be held over the weekend of 14/15 June 2014. I know that 15 June is Father's day but I can't do any other weekend - sorry Reg.
Unless anyone strongly disagrees, I'll put the wheels in motion.
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Hi Graham Thanks for the early heads up, this time I can pre-empt the art exhibition and car show.
Will do my best to come along. with S17.
Ed
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I see that the proposed date clashes with Seafair Haven 7-14 June but I know that I will be too knackered after Sail Caledonia to do that one too.
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I have added this to the events calendar.
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As far as I can tell at that range, I can make that w/e, and I certainly hope to be there.
Michael
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Can't pass on a week at SeaFair Milford Haven! Had too much fun last time (2010) and missed 2012.
Anyway, who could resist the evening entertainment of a Male Voice Choir at Neyland Yacht club. (Apart from me, that is!)
If Bala is already set in stone could possibly make the Sunday by missing the Lawrenny Regatta but the 117 mile, 3 hour detour on single carriageway roads for a half day dip in the lake a bit of a disincentive. No doubt most people will want to get home on Sunday night so we'd only get to wave en passant, anyhoo!
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We've got the weekend of 14/15 June definitely reserved for a Swallow Boats rally on Lake Bala in Wales, kindly hosted by the Bala Sailing Club.
Cost of temporary membership at BSC for up to three days has been quoted (so far) at £40 per boat, although mention was made of a discount for bulk if there are enough of us. This is different to last year, when the fees were per person per day.
I'll do the usual fact sheet and liaison in due course, if those that are interested in taking part could let me know. I think that last year's format was pretty good in an informal sort of way and despite the interesting winds. Any suggestions for change and improvement welcome. I can be reached by pm here or (at the risk of being lost among the spam emails for Viagra and Tamiflu) on graham dot wickenden at btopenworld dot com.
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I hope to be there, Graham: please put me on your list. It's quite an invasion, the facilities are fine, and they are a friendly lot at BSC. That said, it would be nice if small boats came in at less than £40m.
The grub at the pub was good last time, albeit with somewhat leisurely service. Worth another visit, I suggest.
Michael
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That said, it would be nice if small boats came in at less than £40m.
I can absolutely guarantee that even with my rusty negotiating skills, the cost per boat will be less than £40m!
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Michael may have learned his balance sheet skills at Enron?!
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Count me in subject to the usual war and pestilence clause.
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Four boats so far.
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As with last year's rally, I have got permission from the National Park authorities for the crews of up to four boats to sleep on board, tied to the sailing club pontoon. Let me know if you are interested.
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Lest it gets ignored in favour of its bigger, noisier brothers, don't forget the Bala Rally in mid June - between Sail Caledonia and high summer (if such a thing exists) and a cheap weekend alternative to Seafair Haven.
There are still only four entries so far.
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Hi Graham
Please count me in!
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Graham
Please count me in!
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
Five!
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Hi Graham
I took delivery of my BRe last august, number19, and have been enjoying it at carsington sailing club. I would like to try a night aboard - so if a space on the pontoon is available I would be interested.
Can I use my torqedo outboard on bala?
Is there a motorhome! Friendly camp site near by for the crew?
Cheers
Roy
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I would like to try a night aboard - so if a space on the pontoon is available I would be interested.
Can I use my torqedo outboard on bala?
Is there a motorhome! Friendly camp site near by for the crew?
Hi Roy,
I've reserved you a space on the pontoon.
Torqeedo's are welcome! I'll be using mine.
Motorhomes seem to be welcome at the nearest campsite to our base at Bala Sailing Club - try them http://www.penybont-bala.co.uk/
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Thank you Graham
Other BRe owners may be interested in the cabin fit out I have done over the winter. Lights, tactic instruments, light oak slatted cabin side coverings and other odds and sods.
I have also commissioned a full cockpit tent with full standing headroom and stainless frame which zips to the spray hood that I had made by the same guy. Pic attached (I hope!)
Good time for anyone interested to have a look
On another note. I was very appreciative of the sail I had on Jonathan Stuarts BRe at Rutland last spring, before mine was complete, so if anyone is looking for a "go" at Bala I would be happy to oblige
Cheers see you in June
Roy
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For completeness I have attached some photos of the new look cabin
Roy
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That interior looks really good Roy. Cracking job. I liked the idea of the full cockpit tent. Very useful.
I've a vested interest in what others are doing with the interiors of their boats as I'm busy forming idea's as to what I want in my BC23 when it's built - I think I'll open a new thread on this subject for advice from others as to what they have done or would like to do...?
Thanks for the pictures.
Andy
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It's nearly time to negotiate a bulk discount for fees at the Bala Sailing Club for the rally over the weekend of 14 & 15 June. So far, I have been quoted £40 per boat for up to three days (so that you can arrive Friday afternoon and leave Monday morning), payable at BSC when you arrive. As I only have six expressions of interest up to now, I'm not confident of negotiating from a position of strength!
Registered so far (subject to the usual get-outs for war, pestilence and famine):
Me Turaco III BR20
Matthew Peacock Gladys BR20
Michael Rogers Cavatina Trouper
Edwin Davies Susan2 Storm 17
Ken Goodman BR17
Roy Wearing BRe (reserved B&B on the pontoon)
Anyone else interested? I was out on the lake on Tuesday on a glorious spring day, sailing and trying out my new Torqeedo. There were a lot of big fish lurking in the depths. Photos below.
I would also like to arrange a supper reservation for Saturday evening and suggest the same pub as last year, the Bryntyrion Inn http://www.bryntirioninn.co.uk/ Any other suggestions?
I'll send out full information and joining instructions at the beginning of June.
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The pub meal last year was excellent (and the beer): except I recall that service was very slow, for which I believe an apology was forthcoming because of some extenuating circumstances. I don't know the area, but doubt we would do better. Suggest we go for it again, Graham.
Michael
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I have booked a large table for us at the Bryntirion Inn for 8pm on the Saturday evening (14 June).
Bala Sailing Club will reduce their temporary membership fee from £40 to £30 per boat for the weekend if ten boats take part in the rally. So far, we are four short.
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I hope to have two crew with me for the Saturday night do. All being well!
Ed
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Thanks Ed. I'll do a complete count in early June of supper places needed, when the weather forecast is a bit more accurate!
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Hi Graham, we will come along too with Robin S15.
We will camp at the nearby site. 2 for dinner.
Look forward to seeing you there.
Steve and Karen.
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That said, it would be nice if small boats came in at less than £40m.
I can absolutely guarantee that even with my rusty negotiating skills, the cost per boat will be less than £40m!
Worth noting that on their site temporary membership for single handers is £20 for 3 days.
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Steve,
Good to have you along and thanks for the information about single-handers. I'll tackle BSC about this and report back.
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Reporting back: single-handers will be charged £20 per boat for three days, £15 if we have ten or more boats.
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Hi Graham
I am hoping to join you all at Bala. Monday would be a good day to be able to pack up and leave only if to avoid the midges as before in late afternoon!
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Excellent news Reg! We are all (including the midges) missing you at Sail Caledonia.
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Hi Guys
I'm hoping to join you at Bala
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Hi Graham
Hope the weather has improved. Yes, I am missing the Caledonia Sail but my sister and daughter came over from different parts of the world for a holiday.
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Hi Graham
Could you please book me in for Bala and also for the meal.
Terry IONA S15
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Paul, Terry,
Noted! Nearly up to the 10 boats needed for a discount on the BSC membership fees.
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I'm slowly getting my a into g with preparations for the forthcoming rally.
The long range weather forecast for Bala for that weekend promises sunny intervals, winds from the SW F3/4 gusting up to F5, and occasional showers. I doubt that they really know that far ahead but I thought I'd share the information anyway.
I am missing Steve Joyce's email address - if anyone has it (or he reads this) please send it to me by pm.
For supper at the Bryntirion Inn, I have guessed that unless told otherwise (Steve, Edwin), skippers will be on their own. If this is not the case (more than one or none at all), please let me know by pm or on the forum. I currently have a booking for 12 at 8pm.
I only have one pontoon sleepover booking so far - Roy.
For those that are interested and want a play, I'll bring with me a shroud tension gauge, 11ft oars, a Torqeedo electric outboard and a "Swiss" sail (small mainsail not requiring a yard). Also a long bowsprit with the potential to set up a flying jib, plus a mizzen staysail. However, since the winds at Bala are mostly from the SW and NE, these sails are only useful for reaches and the words chocolate and teapot spring to mind.
I'll send out detailed notes in the next day or so. Any comments or suggestions before I do so will be most welcome.
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Hi Graham
Gladys will be in cruising mode (tent pitched on deck) so may I have a pontoon berth please. Please also book me a seat at Bryntirion Inn.
Thanks
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Graham
Really sorry I can't be at Bala this year - clashes with daughter's touring potential University places. I am not having much luck this year with Rally dates. Hope all goes well.
Regards
Gareth Rowlands
Gwennol Teifi S17
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You have heard of the flying jib, but how many have got a flying gudgeon?
Just been sprucing Robin up, and refitting one of the gudgeons I needed to pull it off again as the holes were not lined up. Being a very tight fit when it came off it flew into our hedge and so far has not been found. I won't elaborate on my sense of humour failure!
On the brighter side I have recouped some of the replacement cost by hand painting the boat name instead of buying a stick on one. Hopefully this will pass muster, as will my blocked up outboard hole.
Steve
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I have sent out by email the rally notes to all those that have expressed an interest. If you haven't received a copy and think that you should have done, please let me know. My address for Paul Wearing doesn't work - if anyone knows what his correct address is (or he reads this), please send me a pm.
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Hi Graham
I neglected to say I would need a pontoon space, but could do what I did last year due to weather conditions ie sleep on the boat on the trailer.
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I neglected to say I would need a pontoon space
That's three out of four pontoon spaces taken.
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Several of us will be sailing solo, so if anyone wants to sail without the bother of launching a boat, come along and crew. Let me know by pm if this appeals.
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Hi Graham
I am coming along with no crew, but this would be my first time solo. I am hoping for light airs, if it’s like last year I will be shore bound. So I would happy to crew with somebody.
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Reg,
The forecast so far is different to last year, although we are still too far away to be sure. My current forecast says sunny intervals, warmish, 15% chance of a shower or two, winds W-SW F3, gusting up to F5. I think we got up to F7 and I certainly remember the torrential rain last year.
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Hi Matthew
Please include John and me for the meal on Saturday Night.
I've fitted a pump like yours but a slightly different arrangement so I don't need a valve to empty the well.
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Hello Paul - Graham is organising the Balla Rally, I'm sure he will book you both a place. Could you you send Graham a message with your email address so he can email you the rally details.
I'm delighted you and John are coming. Will you be using the tepee this time?
Matthew
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Hi Matthew
Yes, we will use the Tepee again.
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Graham, I've just noticed, on the list of participants in your excellent emailed 'handout', that I'm not down for a supper place. I'd like to come please! - sorry, thought I'd registered that. (I expect there's some numbers flexibility anyway from the hostelry's point of view?)
I've only just picked that up because my printer went on strike re printing pdf files - the sort of situation in which I'm overwhelmed by my IT-wimpishness. However my eldest, who Knows About These Things (and Macs) knew what I should do and bingo! - printer outflanked and subservient again.
I'll be bringing my new VHF handheld with me: I don't even know if it works yet!
Michael
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Michael,
Don't worry, you're included! I've assumed that anyone who hasn't definitely said they want a place is still coming. I think there may be 15 of us on this basis.
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Hi Graham
Please would you reserve 2 places for the Saturday dinner for Isla and I. Looking forward to seeing you there. PS - As we are club members, I don't think you can use us to bump up numbers to secure reduced fees.
John Roberts
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Hi Graham,
Sorry I neglected to say please include me for the Saturday meal.
As I hope to arrive Friday afternoon will the gate be open or who do I contact if it is not? Last year a few of us were queuing in the short drive way.
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Hi Reg,
You should have had two emails from me, the first with the 4-page info sheet attached and the second giving the procedure for getting in to the club on Friday afternoon. If you haven't received them and they're not in your spam folder, please let me know by pm your current email address and I'll resend them to you.
Same for anyone else who is wondering why they haven't heard from me.
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Graham
Sorry, missed the second E-mail. Now picked it up.
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I had a stunning day on Lake Bala today, scouting out the positions of the cans and other race markers. Rally attendees will get a marked-up chart of the lake - remind me if I forget to give one to you.
The weekend winds are expected to be F2 gusting (if that's the right word) F4, mostly North-ish. So, blowing down the lake to the far end but probably a bit fluky. It will be quite cloudy and not nearly as warm as today but (famous last words) it should be mostly dry.
The lake level is now falling, so the start of the club pontoons should be less awash than they have been recently.
Looking forward to meeting up with you on Saturday morning, if not before.
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Thanks Graham! A complete contrast to last year's weather, almost balmy but equally enjoyable.
Thanks to Bala SC as well. Bacon baps and tea especially appreciated by Mr Peers, the Sailing Master
Matthew
Gladys BR20
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I've added some photos to a new gallery http://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/?page_id=449&album=4&gallery=22 It doesn't look as sunny as I remember it.
Please add your own photos there.
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I'd also like to add my thanks to Graham for the organisation, and to the Bala SC for being very friendly and helpful over the weekend.
I don't think I have had a more pleasant couple of day's sailing despite getting calls from work on both days. I was just a little tempted to continue my run of losing things by dropping the phone overboard. oops!
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I have some photographs on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/edwin.davies.54
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Thanks Graham for organising a great weekend, a convivial meal and Steve for crewing on Sunday.
Terry "IONA"
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I second all of that. A bit more wind and it would have been near perfect. As it was, great fun. Thanks indeed, Graham (and for the pics).
Michael
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It was fun - do it again next year, perhaps in mid or late September to avoid clashing with other events?
Bala Sailing Club has found a piece of Swallow Boat awning of some description. Has anybody lost anything like that? It's being kept safely in the clubhouse.
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Graham,
Great time, thanks for organizing the second Bala get together. I achieved my aim of sailing solo for the first time, although I thought I had put myself in at the deep end without an outboard motor. I would have been more confident with the motor. Having the manual power of oars was a benefit although it seemed tough going against the wind coming in to the pontoon. My learning curve has gone up by two notches.
I have placed photos on the gallery.
Thanks again.
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Some photographs taken by crew member of Susan 2. http://1drv.ms/1ozbI3O
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Didn't make it to Lake Bala this year 2014 due to a prior appointment at Sea Fair Milford Haven! (Well, watcha gonna do? The pub is only at the end of the pontoon at Lawrenny. You have to stagger quite a bit further at Lake Bala.)
However, (and only a year late), I've put a few a few pictures of the previous meeting (Raid? Rally? Gathering of the Clan?) on my "Sailing-in-Circles" blog*, along with a shameless plug for the BayRaider 20 Expedition.
* About time I added something to it, I thought, even if it is ancient history.