Springtime in Scotland - Friday 4 to Sunday 5 April 2008

Paul Beaurain · 18 February 2008, 20:49

Those Scotland Winter 2008 threads need re-generating as we move into Spring.
So Bryn and myself are back up for some cruising in the Clyde or if the weather OK maybe further afield.....So baring lifeboat stations being closed

lets get out there with you guys (and girls?). Craig C, Russel, Bigmuz7, Amber1 Andy Gee and JIY and all.
New boat will need 20Hours putting on over three days. Then back to Redbay on the Monday for the first service/any obvious niggles.

So lets plan something - go

Amber1 · 19 February 2008, 22:27

Good to hear your new boat is on the way, hope you are all keeping well.

I was out a week past on Sunday at Tighnabruiach, and got the first of the spring sunshine, and flat seas...great

I would definitely be up for going out on the water that weekend.

Hopefully the sun will shine.....50/50 chance up here!

Look forward to meeting with you again hopefully, and to seeing the boat!!

BruceB · 19 February 2008, 22:35

I should be starting my build once the major components all arrive in the next 5 weeks, once built and run in I will also be looking for cruises to go on off the West coast, Clyde and occasionally Forth areas.
We will need to get some meets planned for the summer, I am certainly moving over to mostly cruising from mostly diving as the main use of mine and company is always good.
29 days to go to my hull being ready for pick up and counting................

Amber1 · 19 February 2008, 22:45

Should try to get a trip organised out from Gallanach to Mull, or down to Scarba during the summer...

BruceB · 19 February 2008, 23:06

A really good run is out to Eigg and Canna from Ardnamuchan. It is a bit of a trek out there even from here but its only around a 30-40 min run in the boat and its a cracking place to run out to in the sunshine.
A run out to the monastery on the garvellachs is a nice picnic spot as well.
I can get down to Dunoon and pop across the river to meet up with any Glasgow contingent, good slip on the sea front with parking near the western ferries pier.
Plans are progressing including the proposed run up the Clyde to Glasgow City Centre.........

SeaSkills · 20 February 2008, 05:00

Looking further ahead, we're planning a trip on the Forth (from Elie) on Sunday 1st June to support the launch this year of the new powerboat and PWC section of the sailing club there. More details to follow, but if you're able to come along - try and keep the date free.

Carrick · 20 February 2008, 13:42

Sounds like a plan coming together!

Clyde trip - yes, just need to sort out safe launching - Largs is a bit far, and the Esso pump at Port Glasgow wont reach the RIB.

Mull. . . . . hmmm, nice. I had that in mind for the last two years but last years trip in April with the Redbay Boys, Craohb Haven - Scarba - Ardfern (well mostly on me own - didnt have the petrol to follow those guys!) was superb.

Must do something of that ilk too. So anything from Oban let me know (They have Petrol there dontchaknow!)

Cheers - heres hoping

Blue Ribbin (Geddit?)

BruceB · 20 February 2008, 17:26

Theres a slip near the ferry terminal in Gourock or Greenock (can't remember which) down a back street which is fine. I think it may be called Smiths dock but don't quote me as I haven't launched there for some time.
I would probably launch for any trip on the clyde north of Arran from the slips round Dunoon and motor over as it not worth the extra hour or two to get round to the east bank by car.
Plans being made as we speak. Some cracking runs that aren't too long if you don't mind making a weekend of it and towing a bit...

K&S · 21 February 2008, 10:02

Clyde trip - yes, just need to sort out safe launching - Largs is a bit far, and the Esso pump at Port Glasgow wont reach the RIB.

lol i know what you mean there is now a tesco further along the road which is much easier to use and last time we were there the petrol was cheaper and the breakfast we had in the cafe set us up for the day

Must do something of that ilk too. So anything from Oban let me know (They have Petrol there dontchaknow!)

We sailed up to Oban last year in our Hardy Pilot from Dunoon. Great run but the refuel at Oban was a pain. Had to lug 5 jerry cans on a sack trolley up onto the pier then all the way to Tesco and back - no doubt youll tell me there is a petrol station closer. This year any trips we do from oban we will trail the boat up as it took best part of a week to get through the Crinan canal and back which left us little time to explore around mull etc.

Would love to get out to Staffa has been an ambition of mine for years so fingers crossed for this summer.

Our boat is now broken in and booked for first service, awaiting new prop and eager to get out as much as poss this summer. Look forward to seeing how this thread develops.

Must be getting pretty excited Bruce i know we were when waiting for our boat to be ready.

Paul Beaurain · 31 March 2008, 21:08

Hi
Flights booked now arriving Redbay Thursday 3rd.
Hope to be away with fully completed boat sometime Saturday. Destination West Coast or Clyde.

With weather still too far off to be sure we will update on our plans on Friday (4th) then we can then see who may be out to join us. If you are interested in seeing what we can arrange the PM me your mobile number, as I may have limited computer access from then on.

Paul

9D280 · 01 April 2008, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber1

Hopefully the sun will shine.....50/50 chance up here!

As high as that?????

We'd be up for joining you ....as soon as I can persuade the trailer to be a touch more roadworthy...... Puncture last week I now have a flat wheel (and I do mean wheel!!) so no spare. This weekend might be pushing it as I'm away with work at the moment!

Clyde or Oban are roughly equidistant (tow time) for us, so either could be good..... In the menatime, anyone know of any non internetted outboard breakers in the Aberdeen area that might have an old 15" prop kicking about?

craig_c · 10 April 2008, 22:05

pics of the new boat paul?

Paul Beaurain · 21 April 2008, 21:31

Well 2 weeks ribbing and 850Nm

The 1st weekend 5th/6th - was the one where it snowed down south. Saturday North Channel was N7 gusting 8, Sunday was N8 gusting 9.
we seemed to be the only boat out!
Boat collected,trial on Friday handover/launch Saturday 5th at 14.00 into a near gale!
Knowing Sundays forecast was worse still we thought we should get into the clyde pdq.
We had several name choices for the boat, one was 'Born in a Storm' which would have been spot on. just trhought a 4 word name a lttle too complicated over vhf!
Took 5 hours to get to Largs, North Channel OK just huge waves (but well spaced) running up east of Aran was particularly hard work.
Sunday at 9am was really blowing we felt we had to go south as North was looking like hard work again. went down between the Cumbraes and round Bute (clockwise) some good shelter up here. Sunshine soon warmed the cabin. Chill factor today was said to be -5 degrees! Stopped at Holy Loch - superb B&B overlooking Entrance to Clyde, Loch Long and Holy Loch.
Monday Ice on pontoon - retraced steps around Bute (anti clockwise) and entered lower loch Fyne, lunch at Ardrishaig (Inner end of Crinan Canal).
Brewed hot drinks, short kip and then down to Cabletown. Fantastic sunny -all the scenery we did'nt get last August!.
Tuesday - again heavy frost no wind perfect dawn, the stillest smoothest sunnyest rounding of M of K on way back to Redbay.

Then Wednesday 9th 14.00 depart from Redbay for Southampton.
will add notes on this trip seperately.

Craig
saw your boat - why still out of the water?
will post some images of 'Storm Breaker'

cheers 4 now
Paul

dougcrock · 22 April 2008, 11:01

hi paul
glad you had a good cruise
do you have name of bb in holy loch we have organised cruise based there
thanks doug

Paul Beaurain · 22 April 2008, 18:07

Hi Doug
B&B is 2 miles (hence taxi) and is:
'Undercliff'
275 Marine parade, Hunters Quay, Dundoon
01369 704688

view from guest lounge/balcony as below.

Paul Beaurain · 22 April 2008, 18:11

Doug
What I should have said is that unless my son goes on your ribbing trip he will not be on the balcony as shown!
Paul

dougcrock · 24 April 2008, 08:36

paul
do we get the weather? thanks for info we usually stay in royal marine it has a bar but like to recomend places for other cruisers
doug

Paul Beaurain · 25 April 2008, 05:44

Hi
So we brought the new Redbay succesfully back from Northern Ireland to Southampton. 629Nm, longest day was 190Nm. (Howth Nr Dublin to Padstow via Tuskar Rock) Average speed 20Kts.
So here she is: