Last time I was at Mylor for a Swallow event it occurred to me that Dunstaffnage Marina www.dunstaffnagemarina.co.uk and the adjacent Wide Mouthed Frog Hotel would be a good place to have a gathering of Swallow owners which is more accessible to those of us who are based North of “Watford Gap”.

Over the last 4 years a small group of us have cruised together in the Oban area and have visited many of the lovely anchorages ranging from Loch Ness, N of Mallaig, to The Sound of Iona, West of Mull, in our BR 20 boats.  In doing so we have never come across any other Swallows and are keen to share some of our knowledge with others.
The biggest problem that we have come across is to find a good base from which to explore the area where there is  secure parking for cars and trailers close to a slipway. Dunstaffnage Marina does tick this box and the facilities at “The Frog” make it an excellent venue for socialising in the manner of Mylor gatherings. I am offering to co-ordinate an informal meet there in the week beginning Sunday May 17th or the following Monday. The date is chosen as it leads up to Sail Caledonia which starts on the 23rd and which usually includes a Swallow or two.

As an informal meet there will be no racing, no safety boat nor fixed programme but shore based advice on many of the places that can be explored from Dunstaffnage. I have retired from the rigours of the ‘wild camping’ enjoyed over the last 4 years and Mary will be my crew (as long as the weather is reasonable) and we will be based at The Frog each night.
I am posting this proposal now as I would like to find out how many owners might be interested in trailing to Dunstaffnage for a gathering of this sort next May. The Frog Hotel opens its bookings at the beginning of November each year and they say that they get booked up quickly for May being well before the worst of the infamous Scottish Midge season! Depending on the level of interest I can explore the option of set menus at The Frog etc.

If you are interested in joining in such a meet, please indicate through this S Y Forum. It will be up to each owner to book for their own needs but I may be able to negotiate group rates in advance if there is enough interest. An expression of interest will of course not be binding and anyway I will not be crystallizing any arrangements before mid October.

Rory C BRe 25 Gobhlan-Gaoithe

The rally will be based at Glenridding Sailing & Activity Centre.  Skippers should let Matthew Peacock know (via the forum) if they intend going, but book directly with:

Glenridding Sailing & Activity Centre
The Spit
Glenridding
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0PE

t: 017684 82541
e: info@glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk
w: http://www.glenriddingactivitycentre.co.uk

For camping see: http://www.ullswater.co.uk/camping.html#Watermillock

For Ullswater map and sailing guide see Ullswater Users Guide at http://ww.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/?a=254047

For info and feedback on the previous June 2019 Ullswater event  please see: https://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/smf/index.php/topic,1882.0.html

As usual, skippers will be solely responsible for their boats, crews, property and money.

For more details and registration please see the forum topic:    “ULLSWATER”  at https://www.swallowyachtsassociation.org/?page_id=1645

Ullswater is a popular venue with attractive scenery, interesting but not too challenging sailing and good shore facilities.

Patterdale is a straightforward 15miles (30 mins) drive from J40 on the M6.

See the “Ullswater” blog on the Swallow Boats forum for general sailing advice and location details.

Local B&B’s and campsites to suit all tastes can be found on the internet.

A popular choice for Swallow boaters is Gillside Farm, Glenridding, Penrith CA11 0QQ
www.gillsidecaravanandcamping site.co.uk 017684 82346
Gillside Farm has pitches for tents and motor homes, is a short stumble from the Travellers Rest and and a slightly longer stumble down to Glenridding.

Glenridding Sailing Centre  is again providing parking, launching/recovery, changing rooms and a warm welcome for Friday to Monday, fees to be confirmed.  If you are attending then please let me know on this forum or messages and book yourself and boat directly with GSC at:

Glenridding Sailing & Activity Centre

Tel: 017684 82541
info@glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk

www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.u

Please note I’m happy to provide advice and assistance on the location and meeting arrangements but please see the terms on which I organise this event mentioned in the Ullswater blog and elsewhere on this forum.  Skippers are entirely responsible for the physical safety, money and property of their boats and crews.

Finally, Covid restrictions will be lifted before 11th July but the meeting dates and format may be changed if Covid regulations and safety precautions apply.

Matthew Peacock

Taking place after being rescheduled due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.

The very popular and usually over-subscribed multi-day raid event based in Mylor Yacht Harbour with catering at the Castaways Restaurant.