Sail Caledonia 2015

[Graham W]

Saturday 23rd to Saturday 30th May 2015.  'Nuff said!

[Graham W]

Registration for 2015 is now open - see http://www.sailcaledonia.org/page36.html

[Rob Johnstone]

But I'm still recovering from 2013!

[Graham W]

The HQ barge Ros Crana (12 berths) is already fully booked.  Plenty of room on the two Taransay cabin cruisers however.

[Graham W]

Seven boats registered already.

[John Perry]

That's "Moireach", BRe 030 registered for Sail Caledonia 2015 - Yikes, gulp. ...along with three 'mates'. Any words of wisdom much appreciated.

[Graham W]

That's "Moireach", BRe 030 registered for Sail Caledonia 2015 - Yikes, gulp. ...along with three 'mates'. Any words of wisdom much appreciated.

Keep calm and carry on - unless the boat that you're about to hit is the stand-on vessel.

We've now got 15 boats (six Swallow Boats) registered and all the floating accommodation is fully booked, although if you still want a cabin, it's always worth being waitlisted in case someone drops out.

Once you've finished Sail Caledonia 2015 and can't think what else to do, or maybe it wasn't tough enough for you, there's always R2AK, which starts the following week http://racetoalaska.com

[Jonathan Stuart]

The organisers of Sail Caledonia have been contacted by someone who lives near Oban and is interested in Swallow Boats, "hoping to buy one at some point". He has asked whether anyone on the Raid with a Swallow Boat is looking for a crew or would let him take a look at their boat. Failing that can anyone near Oban help?

Also, there are now two places available on one of the Taransay cruisers if anyone wants to upgrade to that rather than camp.

[Rob Johnstone]

Hi Jonathan,

Vagabond will be at Sail Caledonia and then will be based at Balvicar, which is on  Seil Island some 10 miles south of Oban, for at least two weeks after the end of Sail Caledonia. It will then be a long tow to Falmouth!

Will you pass this on to SC or shall I?

Rob J

[Jonathan Stuart]

Thanks Rob, that sounds ideal. I have the contact details for the person who made this inquiry so I'll pass this on to them. May I give them your email address so they may contact you directly?

[Rob Johnstone]

Jonathon,
Go ahead!,
Rob J

[Graham W]

There are 18 boats currently entered for Sail Caledonia, of which one third are Swallow Boats of various flavours.  All the cabins aboard the barge and cabin cruisers are fully booked but there is still room for some happy campers and their boats.  There are also some crew members without boats looking for a varied raid experience, so if you need extra crew, let me know and I'll pass it on.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year but aim to be back with a full crew of mighty race-fit rowers next year.  I'm also trying to improve my sailing from last year's dismal performance.

[John Perry]

Just trying to get myself together for Sail Caledonia. I see from the Safety Requirements I need a third oar, which I don't have. I do have a couple of paddles to supplement the oars and I am thinking of taking my motor with a fuel tank. Especially to those with BRe, what has been the norm in this regard and what are folks planning on doing this year? I am also noting the BRe with only two oars and (relatively) lots of weight looks like a big task for the rowing bit...

Many thanks from a SC virgin 

[Graham W]

Hi John,

Norna will get back to you but you should be OK with the paddles especially if you take the engine.  The last is particularly recommended for a BRe as with only one rowing position, if you hit a big headwind and decide that you've had enough on one of the longer rowing races, you can motor to the finish line.  It also means that you can get to some of the more distant start lines without busting a gut.  I have two rowing positions on my BR20 and still take a motor just in case.

[John Perry]

Thank you Graham, that puts my mind at rest considerably.