Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Graham W on 17 Nov 2014, 21:17
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I've been asked by John Haywood at Bala Sailing Club whether we want to hold another informal rally-style get together next year.
May to August are looking a bit busy (for me anyway) and September is also getting booked up (possible Swallow Boats rally at Mylor at the beginning of the month).
Any interest and suggestions for dates? I could do later in September.
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Hi Graham..
Though tempting I regret Bala doesn't really fit into my new way of Swallow Boating.. - though I am considering a sailing canoe now ..! Fascinating subject! Shame Matt doesn't make one...
However, the mention of a 'rally' at Mylor (I presume you meant Mylor?) in early Sept really got me interested .. having had to miss the English Raid this year.. and this is a 'rumour' I have heard from several different directions now.. (do tell?).
Regards
Andy
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Andy,
Sorry, I meant Mylor - now corrected in the original post. The possible SB rally down there was an idea that I heard discussed a couple of months ago, after Raid England. I've heard nothing since. Has anyone else?
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Graham
We might be interested in a late Sept 15 Bala rally.
Regards
Gareth Rowlands
Gwennol Teifi S17
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I have heard more than strong rumours (from the Swallow Boats stand at Southampton) that there will be a Swallow Boats rally in Mylor next year, but the dates are likely to be before, rather than after school holidays. So the end of June, beginning of July are the most likely dates. I shall be going whenever, because it was such an outstanding place to sail and Mylor is just great fun.
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That's where I heard the 'rumours' too .. a great deal of discussion at the Southampton Boat Show that included some criticism of the ER - some school of thought that the event would be far better suited to Swallow Boats, but I got the impression it was to be aimed at the beginning of Sept.. though I would work around other dates to attend if I could. I'm aiming to go at some point anyway - rally or no rally.
Best not to name names as I don't want to put my foot in it .. !
Regards
Andy
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I thought that the English Raid was great fun and very well organised.
The easterly winds throughout the raid were a surprise, to me anyway. Apparently they were caused by a stable high over the continent. The planned day's sail to Falmouth had to be rerouted because some of the smaller boats were unsuited to the lumpy seas that were running. Swallow Boats, as we all know, are made of sterner stuff.
The latest news on the Mylor event, from a usually reliable source, is that it may be held some time in June. Unless anyone has news on a conflict with the English Raid dates, I propose that we hold our, er, unorganised and informal event on Bala on 5th/6th or 12th/13th September. That's if enough people are interested. I've just discovered that I can't do 19th/20th as it coincides with a seriously major birthday (mine) and 26th/27th is perhaps getting a bit late.
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Believe it or not, I am holding back from being forward about some of these proposed dates for next year until we have moved and settled in further south (Bath area, with boat in Dorset), which also means adjusting my geography in terms of journey times etc.
I would LOVE to come to any Mylor event because, like Graham and Julian, I enjoyed the English Raid there so much. However I am hesitating because, with Graham's mention of 'sterner stuff', and my track record at Weymouth (should have kept my trap shut), I would fully understand if you big-boat boys didn't want the equivalent of a kid brother hanging around cramping your style....
...indulge me while I tell a story round that theme. When I was 15 I spent an idyllic two weeks of the summer school holidays with a school friend whose family lived in Gorran Haven near Mevagissey. The weather was perfect and we messed around in boats (among lots of other things): e.g. I learned how to scull with an oar over the stern. There was however a small fly in the ointment in the form of my friend's younger brother who was an absolute pest - 'Can I come too?' 'Wait for meeee!!' 'That's not fair!' 'I'll tell on you to Mum!' etc etc..... It's a funny old world - many years later, indeed not all that long ago, that particular pesky, irritating, in-the-way kid became the head of MI6.
Michael
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Michael you are always welcome in Gladys if we happen to be at the same meeting and in the unusual circumstance that Cavatina feels conditions are too boisterous. Past, present or future James Bonds are unlikely to be amongst Gladys's crew though.
We will almost definately be at Bala but less likely, sadly, at Mylor although it looks a great venue.
Matthew
Gladys BR20
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Thanks, Matthew! Do you know (it has only just occurred to me), I have never yet sailed in a Baycruiser/Bayraider/Expedition? There's an admission for you, and an omission I should put right sooner than later. It also reflects, incidentally, how much I enjoy my Trouper.
Michael
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Matthew
I'd also really like to sail in your boat, boisterous conditions or not. I've only glimpsed your transom from afar.
John (BR not Trouper)
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John
You and anyone else are welcome provided they don't steal the nut-on-the-helm (Mr Peers) responsible for Gladys's sailing performance!
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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I would definitely be interested in a Mylor expedition, assuming my crew is not messing about in her new (big) boat!.
Its a wonderful area and we have sailed there several times in our Storm 17, either staying in Falmouth and launching at Mylor, or staying in Restronguest with a very cheap outhaul mooring. You can sail up towards Truro and down to St Mawes from Mylor, and even if it does get a bit lumpy there are always sheltered spots. The scariest thing we encountered was fog so thick you could not see from St Just across to Mylor!, but that was on a late September trip.
A June timescale would allow you to pick sailing times and directions to suit tides either earlier or later in the day.
(Rick Stein's chippie in Falmouth is quite nice as well!)
Richard (Storm 17 Little Grebe)
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It looks like Bala is going to be on the weekend of 12th/13th September - BSC have a huge regatta the previous weekend. I'm just keeping an eye out for a possible clash with the English Raid, which seems quite likely to happen next year but its dates are not yet fixed.
I've been watching the lake water levels, which at 0.74m are the lowest that I have ever seen them. The normal low level is usually at least 1.0m, so the public slipway is currently unusable. See http://www.riverlevels.info/dee-bala-community-dee-bridge I think that they are repairing a weir in the NE corner of the lake and have lowered the lake level to make this easier. Here are webcams of the BSC pontoons at the moment http://www.balasc.org.uk/weather.html
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Thanks for the heads up Graham
A mid Sept date should be work well for us so we would hope to come.
Not much response to my proposed Teifi Rally date (with the exception of Michael) so I guess it is too close to Ulswater date. Not much I can do about dates due to tidal restrictions so apologies for this.
Those that can come will of course be very welcome.
Regards
Gareth
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Peter Chesworth, who was one of the organizers, when leaving Mylor, said he would like to see a swallow boat rally in the Falmouth area. At the boat show this message was also mentioned. I hope this will be arranged later but not in June.
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Bala on the 12/13th Sept 2015 should work for me, I have pencilled the date in. Please count "Moireach" in.
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I'm still waiting to hear back on the likely range of dates for Raid England, to make sure that the Bala extremely informal, not to mention entirely unorganised, event does not clash on 12/13 September.
In the meantime, the Lake water level has gone from one extreme to the other and currently stands at 2.5m, which means that the foreshore is flooded. See http://www.balasc.org.uk/weather.html and http://www.balawatersports.com/index.php/about-us/bala-lake-webcam
If you're reading this a while later and are wondering what all the fuss is about, Bala water levels can go up and then down again very quickly - see http://www.riverlevels.uk/dee-bala-community-dee-bridge#.VJa0juB-AIE
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Not that I'm organising it or anything but the Bala extremely informal get-together will now happen entirely spontaneously on the weekend of 26/27 September. Raid England (7-11 September) has made the original Bala dates of 12/13 September too difficult.
Any informal expressions of interest for the new dates? Bala Sailing Club are standing by to welcome us as usual, as no doubt will the Bryntirion Inn. Who knows, we might even enjoy an Indian summer.
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26/27 Sept is good for Gladys
Matthew
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Might be OK for us too Graham unless it clashes with start of Uni freshers week - for daughter, not me!
Regards
Gareth
Gwennol Teifi S17
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I love it when a well organised spontaneous event comes together. Michael Caine?
I haven't been to Bala since windsurfing in the 80's. Now in my diary!
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26/27th should be fine for "Moireach" and crew.
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Drove past Bala, having picked up "Amy Eleanor" from Matt's boatyard on the way north.
Looks good in the dark.
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Unfortunately, RYA Wales has snuck in while we weren't looking and bagged the weekend of 26/27th September for a 120-boat regatta at Bala. 19th/20th is still available but I wouldn't be allowed to do it as 20th is a major birthday in the family.
Can anyone else volunteer to not organise this informal get-together on that weekend? If not, then regretfully it will have to be cancelled.
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I assume from the deafening silence that there are no brave volunteers out there to help make Bala happen on the weekend of 19/20 September?
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Sorry for lack of reply Graham - have been away for a few days.
I don't mind turning up for a W/E in Sept to not organise a rally. We would probably stay at the campsite at the SE end of the lake and launch / retrieve from there as the beach is good (and free!) if you are staying at the campsite. We are supposed to be moving house at some point this summer - so this would definitely not be very organised by me!
Regards
Gareth
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Good man!
I've sent you a pm about next steps. Not that there are any, of course.
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Gladys and Turaco at play on Bala yesterday.
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Gladys and Turaco at play again today - this time gusting F6 up the lake, double-reefed and ballasted.
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Due to a possible cancellation by the Drascombe Association, an opportunity has arisen for a definitely not organised Swallow Boats rally at Bala on the weekend of 18/19 July, using the facilities of the Bala Sailing Club. Charges (not to mention terms and conditions) may apply.
I have a son getting married that weekend, so I probably won't be able to come ;D. However, if some other non-organiser feels like stepping forward, please do so asap and I will let the DA know. Otherwise, given that there is probably another non-organised Bala rally in September and there may not be much enthusiasm for an earlier one, I'll let it lapse on Wednesday 17th, when BSC have to be notified.
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Unfortunately I cannot be at Bala 18-19 July but I'll be sailing with family from the Bala town slipway this Saturday, 20th June.
Of course more fortunate boats will be on the Teifi rally at Cardigan this weekend which should be a lot of fun, especially if the dolphins come out to play.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Will have to decline 18/19 July (again a family wedding). After enthusiastically joining Ullswater this last weekend, the reality of Findhorn to Bala for a weekend was brought home. Best not count me in at the moment, unless I can come up with a ruse of a week's sailing in N. Wales with a mate…
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As there have been no takers for the July weekend, I have let the DA know that it is not for us.
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Sorry Graham
I think we will still be sorting the chaos of a house move in July. As Matthew says though - the Teifi rally will be taking place this coming W/E. So far I know of 8 boats that have registered.
Regards
Gareth
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Looking forward to Teifi this weekend - the forecast looks pretty good.
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I'm a bit confused (nothing unusual then) about dates. When is the Bala Rally being held?
Is it 19-20 Sept?
Who might attend and where launching at Bala?
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Good question Matthew
Originally scheduled for the last W/E in Sept. (27th / 27th) I think Graham felt unable to hold it then as it clashes with a big regatta at the boat club, and he was looking at the previous W/E (19/20) instead - but couldn't actually make that himself. I offered to not organise the W/E if it doesn't clash with daughter going to Uni - which I now see it does - ie 19th 20th is out for me too. I am happy to meet anyone who wants to on the lake on the originally scheduled date of 26/27th - based at the camp site at the SE end of the lake which has a good beach for launching (free!).
On the other hand if others wish to persevere with the 19th / 20th - I quite understand.
With apologies to Graham of I have got this wrong.
Regards
Gareth Rowlands
Gwennol Teifi S17
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Gareth is absolutely correct in every particular.
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How about a sail on Lake Bala on Saturday 15th August, launching from the public slipway in the northernmost corner? Absolutely no organisation, just sailing in company. I'll be there from about 9.30 am.
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Good idea Graham, but regret that I am committed here - daughter's 18th + visitors.
Regards
Gareth
Gwennol Teifi S17
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A reminder and open invitation to come and sail on Bala this Saturday 15th. The forecast looks fairly good. I'll be at the public slipway from about 9.30.
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Gladys will join you this Saturday (15th Aug) at Bala public slipway, Graham
I'll be accompanied by Andrew (but he might jump ship I believe?) and Miles.
Regards
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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See you there!
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An open invitation to come and sail on Lake Bala in a disorganised way this Thursday 3rd. Now that the school holidays are nearly over the forecast looks fairly good. I'll be at the public slipway (northernmost corner) from about 9.30 am.
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Another open invitation to come and sail on Lake Bala in a disorganised way on Thursday 24th. This is ahead of the potential meeting that weekend. Gladys and Turaco will be there (but probably not at the weekend), and maybe some others too. At the town slipway (northernmost part of the lake) from 9.30 am onwards.
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Sorry Graham - nice idea again, but I can't get away from work commitments. Likewise, a hectic time at work and home means I will be unable to make the W/e of the 26th/27th. Hope this doesn't muck up anyone else's plans.
Regards
Gareth
Gwennol Teifi S17
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Just to confirm that the upcoming weekend sees a big event at Bala Sailing Club. Here is a direct quote from a recent email from the club.
"Next weekend, 26/27th September, is a HUGE event in our calendar. It is a joint North Wales On-Board (new junior sailors) event, AND National Welsh Zones Championships, for youth and juniors including many Toppers, Oppies, and a couple of others."
This means, regretfully, that Isla and I will not be able to sail that weekend as the club's foreshore will be far too crowded for us to gain access to the water. (We are club members). Hey ho - there's always next year. Good luck to all you Swallows who get onto the water from the south end. John Roberts.
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Hello John and Isla. By coincidence Turaco and Gladys cannot get to Bala next weekend so we are meeting up at the Bala town slipway on Thurs 24th Sept instead together maybe with a few other Swallow boats. It would be great to see you there if you can make it too. If so please bring your camera!
Regards
Matthew
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I hope to be there on Thursday.
Looking forward to seeing you.
John
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I'm considering wimping out because of the forecast (wind, cold, rain). I may try to sneak on to the lake on Saturday instead, when the forecast (so far) is much better
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I'm considering wimping out because of the forecast (wind, cold, rain). I may try to sneak on to the lake on Saturday instead, when the forecast (so far) is much better
May I suggest you keep looking at different weather forecast providers until you find a forecast that you like the look of?
At present the BBC are offering for Thurs/Bala 10-15mph Westerlies, 10C-12C and no rain until 4pm which is OK for me so I'll stop looking now.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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How about this new look BBC version?
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How about this new look BBC version?
I keep puzzling over this map... as a meteorologist (sort of) I can't fault the forecast; but has the Republic of Ireland become part of the UK? Seems like we are in danger of becoming political again!
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Weather systems laugh at our imaginary political boundaries. Particularly in this part of Shropshire, where the weather is emphatically Welsh.
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I'm now considering sailing at Bala on the Saturday as well as Thursday. I don't know the place. Is there anywhere there, afloat or ashore, that I can leave Ella, reasonably securely?
Thanks
John
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I'm now considering sailing at Bala on the Saturday as well as Thursday. I don't know the place. Is there anywhere there, afloat or ashore, that I can leave Ella, reasonably securely?
Thanks
John
BBC Thursday weather forecast is sunny intervals, 12C, 12-15mph Westerly.
I recommend Pant yr Onnen Campsite
Gwersyll Pant Yr Onnen
Llangower,
Bala,
Gwynedd,
LL23 7BT
01743 718283
Pant yr Onnen is where the ridiculously fast catermarans are based, halfway down the SE shore line.
The campsite is very boat friendly and will allow you to leave your boat there (for a fee) even if you don't camp.
Launching from the shore is do-able but the shore is gravelly and my Volvo sometimes spins it wheels. Always managed to get in and out though in the end.
The approach road to the campsite is narrow and has one difficult but not impossible bend over a narrow bridge. A camper van plus boat trailer may need particular care.
It's a great campsite and worth the effort.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Many thanks for all that information, Matthew. I'm now booked into Pant yr Onnen.
All being well, I'll see you on Thursday morning on the water.
Oh, there's an even better forecast on xcweather.
John
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I'll be there Saturday. There's not much wind forecast so I may bring some extra sails.
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I will be going to Bala tomorrow (Thurs), arriving Bala town slipway about 10.30am.
The current BBC weather forecast for Bala tomorrow is: "After a cloudy start in places many will see a dry day with prolonged sunny spells. However a few showers are likely to develop through the course of the day" and 13mph westerlies.
Unfortunately I cannot attend Saturday but Graham will be there - see below.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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On Saturday, I'll be at the town slipway in the far northern corner of the lake at around 9.30am.
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Hi,
Many thanks to Matthew P, and Jonno for letting me hog the helm of both their boats on Thursday. I took some pictures which I will attempt to post below.
best wishes
Simon
BR 27 Carpe Diem
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The pics:
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And more :
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and lastly a link to a short video:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sajh5ms9t0is7vy/20150924_150830_P1010684.mp4?dl=0
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Here's a link to some photos and a video from yesterday's trip to Bala (Turaco and Ella in attendance) https://www.flickr.com/gp/80529710@N07/373887
The next trip will be on Thursday 1st, all welcome. If the water level is OK (it is sinking fast) I will be at the town slipway (northernmost corner) from about 9.30am.
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A most enjoyable first sail on Bala. Thanks to all, particularly Matthew and Graham for organising it and to Simon and Graham for the photos. Those early morning shots from yesterday are very atmospheric.
John