The Winklebrig Forum

Using the boat => Sailing => Topic started by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:27:41 AM

Title: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:27:41 AM

Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 08:10 pm:      
I was too late to register for the Brest festival this year, so I am thinking of going to Scotland instead. I remember Adrian, you went to Gigha one year. Did you cross from the mainland in the Winklebrig? Can you or anyother Winklebrigger recommend this or any other Island?
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Phil Shimmin
Username: Philshimmin

Registered: 11-2010
   
Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 04:25 pm:      
There is a caravan park/campsite on Loch Sunart (google ; Resipole)They have a slipway and facilities for car parking.Modest charges. The whole of Loch Sunart is explorable, but charts are essential as there are one or two rocks.On a good day sail over to Tobermory where there are excellent visitor marina/showers etc.Its along drive from Southwold, but given decent weather and a midge hat. the scenery is magnificent..It was my base for some 4 yrs boating. Check out canna island holiday cottage on the web for an idea of what its like.
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:28:09 AM
Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 04:50 pm:      
Many thanks Phil. Sounds lovely. I will certainlt check it out.
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:28:25 AM
David_owens
Username: David_owens

Registered: 04-2010
   
Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 09:58 pm:      
Blimey. There's no stopping some people! Please let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:28:39 AM
Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Monday, May 21, 2012 - 10:18 am:      
Hi Martin
We had a wonderful time on Gigha with Peggoty, and will be there for most of August this year, with my other boats, Snufkin and Fangle though. It is benign, I anchored Peg in the sandy bay, and waded back and forth, though there are public moorings and a jetty, and the tidal range is only about 4 feet at most. I took Peg over on the Ferry, and launched from the ferry slip on the island, but the sail over would be straight forward, and is only 3 miles. Launch from Tayinloan ferry slip would be doable too, though both might benefit from more than one pair of hands, and there is only about a 40 minute gap between ferries, apart from early morning, evening, and and hour and 40 at lunchtime... They don't half fuss if you get in their way! The Clyde Cruising Club sailing directions are a great reference - there are sample pages on their website. Also, Hamish Haswell Smith's 'the Scottish Islands' is a fabulous and comprehensive read.
I'm sure you'll be aware there are some quite vicious stretches of water in the inner hebrides, and the tides in some places can run at speeds well in excess of a WBs hull speed! Youtube 'the grey dogs' and 'Corryvreckan' for thrills and chills! The Clyde itself offers very extensive and benign sailing. I've not been to the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles proper) but I believe they are generally rather easier in terms of tides, but obviously more exposed. Oh, and if you undertake the (to me very daunting) sail to the Outer Hebrides, remember to swot up on rhymes and riddles, to confound the Blue Men of the Minch!
Sounds like a fantastic plan, Martin - let us know how things shape up!
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:28:59 AM
Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Monday, May 21, 2012 - 10:20 am:      
Oh, pictures of Peggoty at Gigha are in the 'end of season 2007' thread, under 'sailing.'
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:29:14 AM

Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - 09:46 am:      
Many thanks Adrian. It would be great to meet up in August. What are the midges like at that time of year?
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:29:29 AM
Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - 05:39 pm:      
Midges are barely a problem on Gigha, though I suspect they don't find me particularly tasty compared with some folk... It would be great to see you there.
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:29:44 AM
Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Friday, July 20, 2012 - 12:21 am:      
Hi Martin - how are the plans shaping up?
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:29:56 AM

Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - 09:33 pm:      
Hi Adrian. Because of an unexpected break in work last week I set off for the the Brest Festival on the spur of the moment! I had a fantastic weeks sailing with high winds, some rain and a little sun and some spectacular boats to look at. As I was sailing solo I am afraid I have no pictures to post but I can recommend the trip to anyone when it comes around again in 2016. This means I will have to save the treat of Gigha for another time, but I hope you have a great time.
Title: Re: Western Isles
Post by: Old Forum on April 10, 2014, 09:30:12 AM
Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - 10:29 pm:      
Thanks Martin - It sounds like you had a fine time. We will have lots of company on the campsite this year, and it looks like a contingent from the Open Canoe Sailing Group will be calling in, and we may also get a visit from Gavin Millar (in his boat Stacey!) who is currently attempting the first circumnavigation by sailing canoe