Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Helen and Chris on 15 Dec 2014, 14:57
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Swallow Boats Raid 2015
The inaugural Swallow Boats Raid is proposed for Mon 29 June to Fri 3 July 2015 at Falmouth, Cornwall. Based at Mylor Yacht Harbour, it will consist of three days of sailing with a day either end for launching and recovery.
The aim of the Raid is to give like-minded people the opportunity to sail together in the spectacular location of Falmouth Harbour. There will be a different destination each day for lunch or a cream tea! Light-hearted competition will be arranged for those who wish to partake but there will be no pressure to join in if you just wish to cruise in company.
Following traditional Raid rules, if the wind dies while you are racing you can use any form of oars or paddles to propel the boat or, if you are cruising, just resort to the outboard! There will be a couple of RIBs to accompany us and to act as support boats, and we will all keep an eye on each other.
Each night the boats will moor at Mylor Yacht Harbour and dinner will be provided at Castaways Restaurant, overlooking the marina. There are a variety of accommodation options available in the local area including a campsite, B&Bs and holiday cottages, or you can sleep on board your boat in the marina.
If you are sailing single-handed, or new to Swallow Boats, there will be plenty of other friendly and willing people around to advise and assist, be it with launching, recovery or any other aspect of the Raid. So, come and join us for an excellent week of sailing and socialisation and meet some of your fellow Swallow Boaters!
The proposed programme and costs for the Raid are available on the news page of the Swallow Boats website (www.swallowboats.com).
If you would like to register, please email events@swallowboats.com and request a booking form.
UPDATE
The Raid is proving to be very popular and we already have 27 boats that have booked a place. If you want to join us don't delay as we may have to limit numbers.
The attached file lists the current entrants.
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Great! When the English Raid was held at Mylor in September, it was one of the most fun events that I've been to. I can't wait to do it again, especially if it's a Swallow Boats Raid, so please put my name down. I'll be sleeping on shore.
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Hello Helen and Chris.
The new love in my life and I would be delighted to attend! Accom will be on board in the Marina.
Many thanks for taking this on..
Do you want formal contact details? Or is this just for expressions of interest at this stage to see how many are interested?
Regards
Andy
Baycruiser23 No.25 'Equinox'
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We'll be there, can't wait to go back. Probably three of us. We will try to find a cottage for the week, so just need a berth in the marina.
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Expression of interest - yes. Some logistical uncertainties to sort out at this range
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Hi Andy,
Expression of interest and preference of accommodation is all that is required at the moment. More details will be forthcoming in the New Year.
Best wishes,
Helen
BRe Skylark
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Water Craft 109 has just popped through my letter box. Amongst the usual publicity for Swallow Boats (including a four-page article by Nick Newland on water ballast, with illustrations) is an article on September's Raid England at Mylor by Andrew Wolstenholme. This includes a full page photo of Michael and Cavatina.
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Dear Helen
Sounds good to me too.
Best wishes
Bill
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I think Vagabond will be there - it all depends on the owners agent and I've not spoken to her yet....Which reminds me, I need to get another tow car before Sail Caledonia!
Rob J
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Nice to see you pop your head up Rob.. Thought you might have gotten lost in the bowels of Colossus. Or run off with Alvis wearing only your Singlet.. (Happy days).
Caledonia hey? Hoping to add to your collection of silverware? But will it be gentleman's participation and letting Freddy take the strain? I would imagine so.
I'm doing Morbihan, despite it being in France. Else I would have been tempted, a damn good excuse not to have to row in a Baycruiser 23!
Hope you can make it to Falmouth, it will be a hoot I am sure. Let's see the Grey and the Red showing the rest of the fleet a clean pair of transoms.. and if I am behind you, it's only so I can see how you do it..!
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Hi Helen and Chris
Thanks for organising this. Yes please. I've sailed in Ella from Mylor on three occasions: a convenient base in a great sailing area.
Accommodation? Not sure yet. Tent or campervan. Or, if without crew, perhaps I'll sleep on board.
John
BR Ella
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Yes please.
I will be bringing Rustie my navigator and his friends......sleeping ruff.
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Ummm... have to be careful how I word this. Is there a particular reason why it is to be a 'Swallow Boats' Raid? Does that exclude 'others'? If not, why call it "SB", and do the 'others' know they are welcome? How?
I ask because 1) Swallow Boaters are already really rather good at organising events for SBs, and there are plenty of those to choose from each year. Is another 'exclusive' one needed? 2) One of the fun things about the Raid at Mylor was the mix of boats involved, and it was a reminder that Matt is not the only one designing really good boats (I know his metaphorical shoulders are broad enough for him not to mind my saying that). 3) It has always been a problem to find people to organise The (English) Raid, and here are Helen and Chris volunteering!! I don't think many people would mind The Raid going to Mylor again - those who were there this year want to go again, and those who weren't would like to give it a go. It is fabulous sailing.
So, can I suggest an Open event again, and for it to be advertised as such? Helen and Chris might want to put a cap on numbers - completely understandable. And if it is less 'organised' (and therefore cheaper/) than the 2015 event, that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially to those who weren't happy about the cost last time (though I think it was flipping' good value).
Finally, let's face it, we all know that the majority of boats at an Open event will be Swallow Boats anyway, so let's be inclusive and make it even more fun!!
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Many thanks for organising this raid. The crew of Morgi Glas ( BRE 23 ) would like to express interest in attending .Will be able to confirm in January. Accommodation - two crew in moored boat , two in camper van.
John Nicky Steve and Reena
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Hi Michael
I think the English Raiders have every intention of holding another English Raid in 2015, which will be a fully open event. They did in fact ask me if I could organise it in Poole, but for a variety of reasons I can't do that in 2015. If they can find any other willing volunteers it will be going ahead somewhere (they were hoping for Plymouth as a venue, do you know anyone who sails there?) My understanding is that this Swallow Boats Raid is simply a new one proposed by Swallowboats as effectively a supported association event. It will also give someone else a chance to win races apart from the 30ft whale boat "Molly"!
We are going, I've already booked the flat behind the pub.
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OK, Julian, points taken - I think. And I hope to be at Mylor
I still like it best of all when we mix with 'others'. And just for the record, as you know Molly didn't 'win' at Mylor (the winner was a 14 ft trad dinghy, sailed single handed): but I know what you mean!
I'm still basking a bit, Graham. Andrew Wolstenholme takes good pictures as well as designing good boats. His two Kite designs at the Raid were amazingly fast. I thought I was going really well until Kite came past (taking pictures!).
Michael
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Hi All,
Does anyone know if Watercraft-magazine has a version they send out via the internet, rather than the print version? I checked their web site and I am unable to find a electronic version. (I know this may make some cringe!).
I did see the "snail mail", (love that term), prices etc.
Regards,
Happy Holidays all,
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Hi Michael
Just to confirm that, as Julian has said, this is a Swallow Boats organised event just for Swallow Boats. We are only part of the organising team which is lead by Nick Peters at Swallow Boats and includes Peter Chesworth down in Falmouth. Living in the middle of the country as we do, we do not have sufficient local knowledge to organise an English Raid event so this is a nice way for us to get involved.
It promises to be a great event with plenty of participants from the Swallow Boat fleet and we are really looking forward to a fun week of sailing and socialising. We hope to see you there.
Best wishes,
Helen
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Helen & Chris
Count me in, had a wonderful time on the English raid last year.
May be camping, or possibly staying on the boat.
Regards Reg
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Accommodation booked, Rustie is pawing over the charts.
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Hi Helen and Chris
We would like to "express an interest" in the SB Falmouth event at the end of June 2015. There will be two of us in a BC20. We are looking for B&B accommodation, preferably close to the Yacht Harbour, and would welcome any recommendations.
Paul
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Great to see so much interest in this event.
Please feel free to go ahead and book B&Bs, cottages etc if that is your preference. We will be organising a site for the campers and will also be arranging berths in the marina.
Paul, I don't know of any recommendations for B&Bs myself but I will get in touch with Peter and see if he does.
Helen
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Hello Helen
It's the way I say 'em.
David
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Thanks, Helen.
I'm sure we shall find a suitable B&B one way or another.
Paul
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As promised, here is a list in no particular order of places to stay around Mylor:
www.bayviewcornwall.co.uk
www.thegardenhousemylor.co.uk
www.trefusisbarton.co.uk
www.quay-house.co.uk
www.creeksidecottages.co.uk
www.cosawesbarton.co.uk
www.flushingholidaycottages.c o.uk
www.mylor.com/holidays/
We hope to have more details to give you on the finer points of the Raid, including projected costs, very soon!
Helen
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I stayed at the first one on the list last year. If you look at their ratings on Tripadvisor, you would think that they were the best B&B ever. My experience was different and was much closer to this review http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186235-d675565-r118986713-Bay_View_B_B-Falmouth_Cornwall_England.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
I wouldn't stay there again and I definitely wouldn't recommend it to anyone else. I think Michael stayed at Quay House and had a much happier experience.
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I stayed at the Mylor Holidays one last time and it was so excellent that we have already booked there again. They aren't technically B&Bs just apartments, but you can have breakfast in the pub if you don't want to cook. being within staggering distance of the pontoon really adds to the holiday.
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Re Graham's remark about Quay House, I did indeed stay there for the Falmouth Raid (of happy memory) last September. It was exceptional, not least because John Carty, my host, was such an interesting person, and the view down Mylor Creek was fabulous, especially bird-wise as the tide came in.
UNFORTUNATELY, I'm pretty sure it is non-available (as sort of confirmed by the blank screen if you try the link). One of the amazing things about John Carty was that I discovered (and could scarcely believe) that he was well over 80 (AND, unbelievably because of how mobile he was, had two 'tin' knees). At the time I stayed, the house had been sold, and Mr and Mrs Carty were looking to retirement to another smaller house in Mylor Bridge. So Quay House can be left off the list - sadly.
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Hi Helen
Thanks for coordinating this. Please include Gladys with 3 crew as probable participants.
My fellow crew would like to know the likely sailing start and finish times each day, as I have them on loan from their family.
Regards
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Matthew,
It will be great to have you along.
All the details are currently being worked out and will be published shortly.
Regards,
Helen
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Myf and I would like to come in our home-built BR17 "Emily". Due to be launched as soon as it gets warm enough outside to finish her!
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The proposed programme and costs for the Swallow Boats Raid have now been published and are available on the news page of Swallow Boats website (www.swallowboats.com).
A booking form will be available shortly which will be sent out by email. To get one, either send me your email address via a forum message or email events@swallowboats.com.
I will make sure that everyone who has already expressed an interest receives a booking form asap.
Looking forward to seeing you all there,
Helen
BRe Skylark
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:D It all sounds unmissable so please enter Gobhlan-Goaithe (BRe 25) and myself if there is space. Not sure yet about crew Mary is considering her options! I will sleep on board.
Thanks eversomuch for arranging it all.
Rory Clarke
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Hi
I have sailed from Mylor and Restronguet several times, great area for small boats so would definitely be interested in coming along. Accommodation will be subject to final crew numbers and availability. If brother and sister in law want to come along as well, we will probably rent a cottage somewhere in locality.
Richard Cooper
Storm 17, Little Grebe
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hellow Helen and chris
I hope to be able to join the mylor event
do you book/reserve berths or do we contact mylor direct?
do you have an idea of costs yet?
I expect to sleep on board
regards
c
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Hi Chandler,
Great to hear you are interested in joining the Raid.
All the details including costs are on the news page of the Swallow Boats website. The marina booking is all taken care of as part of the entry fee. Send me an email at events@swallowboats.com if you would like a booking form.
Hope to see you there,
Helen
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:) Am visiting Wales to visit rellies in Brecon after which we plan to visit Cornwall and I see there is a Swallow Boats Rally at Mylor. Will try to get there over the period of the rally, sans Gryphon unfortunately.
Will be interested to see how it is done over there. We (The Old Gaffers Association of Western Australia) are planning something similar for our C Fleet yachts.
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Chris. That is indeed good news that you will be visiting us in Mylor this year. Especially if there is a prize for the person who has travelled the furthest to get there!
I'll be there (Imshallah), in my Baycruiser 23 so there'll be plenty of room for you and any travelling crew with you to come out for a sail - as long as you bring the 'tinnies'.. !
Look forward to seeing you.
Andy
Baycruiser 23 No. 25 'Equinox'
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Hello Andy,
thanks for the invitation I would certainly appreciate the sail and chance to see the BC23, and I will definitely bring the tinnies. Planning still in progress so will keep in touch and see what dates we get to Falmouth. Is there a program of any kind available yet or do you sniff the wind on the day and decide accordingly.
Will I need to cool the tinnies or do my ancestors still go for warm beer!!!!
Regards to all.
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:) Andy,
hello again, just found the program on the SB website, will work on that and let you know.
Thanks again
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I am one of the few bastions of Englishness left in our green and pleasant Chris, my beer is always warm!
But didn't Matt Newland invent water ballast tanks to keep the consumables at a temperature appropriate for our colonial cousins, so don't worry about the temperature - anyway the ambient temperature will be down right freezing in our English 'summer' compared to what you are used to.
Shame I don't still have those magazines for you take back on the aeroplane, 'carry on' luggage for a little light reading, and a mortgage for excess baggage!
Be great if you do manage to organise your itinerary to be with us..
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:) Andy,
re the tinnies, agree the ballast tank idea for tinnies - in winter to stop them icing up! In summer it gets a bit warm so a cooler is necessary. I take your point re the English "summer" might need to throw in my thermals!
Anyway back to business, have booked in at Penryn for 29th June through 3rd July to have a good look around Falmouth and other parts of Cornwall after visiting the Jurassic Coast. We are flexible re a day on the water. SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) is not keen on the open sea so perhaps Day B or C (1st or 2nd July I think) might be best but that is up to you and space on your BC23.
I am not sure if I ever obtained your e-mail address when we were talking about your Watercraft magazine collection, any chance you could send it to me along with your mobile number for contact when we get to UK. My e-mail is rockdoctor46atbigpond.com.
On the subject of excess baggage, the magazines might have been a minor charge compared to one of my later jobs in Central African Republic when Air France hit me big time for my boxes of iron ore samples.
Regards
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Tinnies? Not so. The purpose of the water ballast is to act as a live holding tank for any fish that might have been caught during one of those nil wind drifts along a Scottish loch......
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'Chris. That's all good. I'll email you separately with my contact details - I still can't get a definitive from my own 'She Who is Seldom Obeyed and Ought to Do As She Is Damn Well Told' (But Doesn't|) on her plans - but either way there will be plenty of room for you and your wife.. I'm looking forward to it.
Air France? You were lucky! Try Arik Air next time you are out in West Africa, but at least you would get a seat if you took a crate of your samples, but make sure you take your own cushion!
Photograph of 'Equinox' looking pretty and raring for the off attached, taken this afternoon - no good reason, just love!
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Andy,
thanks, I must say I am impressed with the close up of the BC23, looking forward to this trip.
Rob, I am sure the ballast tanks would work as a live holding tank, as long as it was not a baby "Nessie" in there.
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What a fantastic fortnight.
Goodwood Festival of Speed, Round the Island Race and the "Raid".
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We now have 25 boats entered for the Raid at Falmouth!
If you would like to see who is going I have added a file to the initial post of this thread which lists all the current entrants.
Looking forward to seeing you all there,
Helen
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I have booked a two bedroom cottage over the hill from Mylor in Flushing.
There is one room free should anyone and their crew be looking for accommodation close to Mylor for the RAID.
The web page for the property is.....
http://www.creeksidecottages.co.uk/accommodation/flushing/april_cottage
Half the cost will be £290.
Regards
David H
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Entries now up to 27 boats! A revised list has been added to the initial post.
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Not being competitively fit right now, I would be happy to
be gate boat should the fleet wish to use rabbit starts.
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When renting the property I am staying at in Flushing, I had taken it for granted that the Event would be week long. I am staying from the Friday night prior to the event until the following Friday: my wife joining me until the Tuesday.
Should anyone be interested to stay all or part of Sunday to Thursday nights, I am offering a double room for £30/night.
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If there are any raider's travelling from the vague area of Worksop is there any chance you could bring a pair of oars back oop north. Graham will be there and has a pair for sale. One of mine was last seen voyaging solo from Amble marina. If anyone could help with an oar relay I could collect them whenever is convenient for you.
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Hi Ian,
To avoid filling this thread unnecessarily I sent you a Personal Message. However, the personal messages part of the forum is easy to miss, so now I'm posting here.
Can I suggest all others also PM Ian with offers (if you are more convenient for Worksop than Huntingdon)? The north is a big place ...
Anthony
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I'LL BE IN FALMOUTH, ST JUST AND ROSELAND, FOR A LOT OF THE TIME OF THE RALLY, ARE YOU ORGANISING A ' FLEET' COMMUNICATION VHF CHANNEL (75, 76,77) MYLOR I THINK IS 80 , IN SOME PORTS 77 IS PILOTS /INTERSHIP .
STEVE JONES BR17 NONA ME
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Well the packing has commenced, we're busy loading up Matt's van ready for him to take off to see you all on Monday... unfortunately, urgent commitments here at SB mean that Matt will only be staying until the end of Tuesday but he's still got his little pot of glee out and is busy rubbing his hands with it at the thought of two days sailing with you all!
I hope everyone has a wonderful time, many thanks to Helen and Peter and everyone else who's helped to organise this. I'd really appreciate if anyone would be able to send me a couple of photos (please let me know if you don't want them up on Facebook or our website) so I can see how you're all getting on having fun on and off the water, and share with fellow Swallows.
Enjoy!
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Steve,
I've PM'd you my mobile number.
Cheers,
Helen
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With just a couple of days to go to the Raid it looks like the final count, at least while Matt is with is, will be 25 boats. Unfortunately, Andy and Pelham are unable to join us now.
Roll on the heat wave, although please can we have some wind as well!
See you all very soon,
Helen
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I'm pleased to report that Emily has made it to Cornwall, and is acclimatising to the longitude before pushing further west on Monday. We should be at Mylor around 11 am I hope.
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From what I'm hearing from people everyone's had a super time!
I hope you all enjoyed it and if anyone has any photos they would like to send me to share on our social media I am more than happy to post these up and give everyone green eyes!
I look forward to hearing about everyone's experiences once you've landed and got time to post your adventures
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A quick note of thanks to Helen and Chris for being the inspiration behind the recent event on the Fal. They obviously have a very good relationship with the appropriate weather god too! Attached is a pic of a flight of swallows.
Rob J
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Mylor is a great place to sail and we had a splendid, if sometimes eventful time. Thank you to Helen and Chris and to all the others who made it possible. Well run, efficiently safety boated and with excellent food. On our table at least, loads of wine at supper too!
I have posted my photos on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/80529710@N07/sets/72157655415746985/. I don't know why but I think the first two photos of "five blokes and an engine" are hilarious. Apologies for the photos of the front of my boat and back of my head but you'll see that somewhere further in, the timelapse captured something interesting for once. The later pictures of individual boats are slightly soft focus but I think the lense may have had mud from the riverbed smeared on it..
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Here are some more pictures taken by Alison and me on what was a fun event.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/71517706@N08/sets/72157655417025092/with/19400329102/
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Hello All,
I was great for an Aussie to join the Swallow Boats Raid in a BC 23 care of Dudley. Sailing on the Tuesday was a real experience, waters of the bay first followed by the challenges of the river (did I see two inverted BR20s? - so I am not the only one who has done that stunt).
To see 26 SBs on the water together was very special.
The organisation was superb as was the venue - congratulations to Helen and all involved.
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"The story and saviours of 'Tarika' BR17 at SB Falmouth Raid 2015".
The week began well with home in Surrey getting the full blast of the summer heatwave of high 30's to 40C while we basked in the cool airs around Mylor at 15C - 20C.
My first error, on the first day of the Raid, was not to use my padded seats. Too many things to sort out taking my mind off protecting the nether regions.
Of course salt and water and sliding around on the seats took their toll and by the time the pain had penetrated the haze of my overworked brain it was too late, the damage was done!!.
I spent the rest of the week applying Aloe Vera cream and have only just(1 week later) begun to experience the joys of sitting without pain again.
The sailing and racing was frantic and peaceful in equal measures with strong winds, no winds and the joys of huge gusts up the river estuaries - reminded me of Salcombe!.
As we had came to enjoy the scenery and sailing experience - I'm not sure how much of the surroundings I managed to take in.
Fortunately my long suffering wife Lin took the time to take some excellent photos, so I could look back at later.
The only major problem came on the 2nd day after we landed on the beach up Helford passage after a long sail around from Mylor.
As we beached the boat the centre board was forced up into the boat trapping two lines alongside the CB handle.
Try as I might I could not free off the lines, the CB was well and truly jammed tight.
I, unusually, ran out of ideas eventually and requested if the couple in the boat next to us, Alison & Peter in Boadicea, had any ideas.
Nothing emerged from our combined brain power except, Peter suggested that he get this huge shackle that he had continually carried around with him as "it might come in handy some day".
This was that day.
It fitted perfectly around the CB handle and on the way back, under motor, I managed to remove the up haul rope and grommets to find that the shackle screw fitted perfectly through the handle hole.
Now I had something that I could put even more purchase onto it to try to free the CB.
I had visions of getting back to Mylor and requesting a crane to try to lift it up!!.
Finally I found that the 'T' handle of my paddle just fitted under the side of the shackle and with approx 30:1 purchase started to move the CB.
I was worried that the handle might break off with the strain but it held out and the CB and lines were finally freed.
By then, mind and body were totally exhausted so we continued to motor back to Mylor after refilling the Suzuki's fuel tank.
Having delayed Alison & Peter's exit from the beach, they rowed and sailed hard to get to the next start, while all the other boats motored past at speed to get there in time. They were very late to start but battled on regardless.
We and the safety boat crews then repeatedly asked if they would like a tow back, but they rightly and stubbornly refused assistance.
Their heroic actions were rightfully rewarded with a prize that night, for being the only boat which sailed and rowed the whole race without using a motor(they didn't have one!) and for their kind assistance.
As well as them we met many other interesting sailing characters and the atmosphere and friendliness was brilliant.
Many thanks for the excellent organization - 'we will be back'.
Herewith some pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103187633815556867979/SBFalmouthRaid2015FromTarikaForSwallowBoaters?authuser=0&feat=directlink
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James,
Sudocrem zinc oxide cream is particularly good for persistent cases of trench buttock. Also used for treating nappy rash in babies. It's messy but speaking as one who tends to get wet and then sits in it, it works for me.
Alison & Peter's fighting spirit and self reliance are exactly what Sail Caledonia is looking for when it awards its Highlander Trophy "Complete the whole event entirely self-sufficient and unaided, with the exception of evening meals which are provided. Competitors have to carry all their gear, no tows or extra crew are allowed, and passage may only be made by sailing and rowing - no motors allowed! A real test of skill and stamina in the true spirit of a Raid."
Acts of exemplary selflessness are not recognised by an award but perhaps they should be.
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What a fun week; something for everyone including cream teas, swimming, beer, more food, exercise (for those who wanted it or had a bucko skipper), food, some sailing and time with old friends and new. Thanks Helen, Peter and all the people who organised it with such success.
I'm not good on Flickr but I hope my snaps can be seen at https://flic.kr/s/aHskfsZ8tP
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Your Flickr pics worked v. well, though the video was a bit short - I think we got the idea.
I am now changing to use Flickr as it is a much more interesting display system than boring old Picasa.
Thanks for also taking two pics of 'Tarika' which we mostly don't see - must get one of these 10ft 'selfie' sticks.