I thought when the CC2015 moved back we were safe

[marisca]

I was in smug mode last Friday - a lovely day sail in bright sunshine with snow on the hills and a breeze in my sails while the CC2015 was wimping out. Last year by scheduling later the CC curse made SIPR a bit gnarly so this year I thought SIPR was safe. Bah! The forecasts until the 15th don't have a sensible window for Clyde to Oban and the Crinan Canal is stupidly expensive. To add the cream to that, they've put a J109 in the same class as Geoff and me. My enthusiasm knows no bounds!

[mm5aho]

I've only had one sail before heading west for SIPR, that being the CCCs round Bute race. Managed to rip the spinnaker a wee bit, do some interesting speeds, but took 27 tacks to get up the east Kyle. Last across the line by ages, but not too bad on handicap. Good shakedown, but a small engine job to do, hopefully tomorrow, the planning on leaving Tuesday night from Rhu. (two of us for delivery, collecting rest of team in Oban). Probably stop for a sleep somewhere, and that depending on the forecast. I see Crinan Canal which was £97 for first passage last year, will now be £155 for Contender. That's quite an increase, I wonder about its justification. Will be avoiding it if at all possible. Reckon best times are Wed 0500-1100, and 1800-2400 approx (UTC). Might be able to try the new buoys at Gigha?

So planning round MoK sometime Wednesday, aiming to arrive Oban Thursday afternoonish.

When are you heading over west, Marisca?

[marisca]

I was considering a Saturday to Monday MoK trip but may end up with a Tuesday to Thursday canal trip despite the cost. It all depends on the ever changing forecast.
I have had a one day sail this year, half the boat is still in the garage, I'm banned from exerting myself, so a bit behind. I used to keep the boat at Port Edgar over the winter and it was a matter of honour to leave before the office rottweiler demanded more money on 1st April. Result was the boat had knocked up over 400nm in April and was totally shaken down by 3rd weekend of May. Now I'm looking at 30kt winds with great reluctance instead of my former enthusiasm.

[claymore]

I was considering a Saturday to Monday MoK trip but may end up with a Tuesday to Thursday canal trip despite the cost. It all depends on the ever changing forecast.
I have had a one day sail this year, half the boat is still in the garage, I'm banned from exerting myself, so a bit behind. I used to keep the boat at Port Edgar over the winter and it was a matter of honour to leave before the office rottweiler demanded more money on 1st April. Result was the boat had knocked up over 400nm in April and was totally shaken down by 3rd weekend of May. Now I'm looking at 30kt winds with great reluctance instead of my former enthusiasm.

These are not the words of the Marisca we have come to know and love - any more and you'll be getting the bold skipper of Zophiel amending his rather piratical, divil take the hindmost, description of you

[marisca]

These are not the words of the Marisca we have come to know and love - any more and you'll be getting the bold skipper of Zophiel amending his rather piratical, divil take the hindmost, description of you

Aye, weel, in a foolish moment I let the medics measure my PSA and some 8 weeks ago they whipped out my prostate. I am assured that normal service will be resumed but "these things take time" seems to be the best prognosis I can get. So it was pay a man to slap on antifoul, a late launch date and as yet no stress test of either the boat or my body - not the best preparation for the travails of SIPR. I'm sure my usual demeanour will be restored after a couple of days of privation and misery on the boat.

[claymore]

That's mair like it!
Wish you well with your recovery.

[mm5aho]

If we end up using the expensive ditch, we could open some lock doors for you on the way?
Could keep in touch and sail in company?
We'll be aboard Tuesday night, and if using the canal was thinking that getting there early enough to get beyond Cairnbaan would be a good move to allow an earlier time for Dorus Mor etc.
Arriving Ardrishaig just in time to get in the sealoch usually means not getting out at Crinan till pm following day.

[marisca]

Geoff
I have given up the idea of being anywhere near the MoK Sunday through Tuesday. The forecasts seem to have settled and my crew seem less than enthusiastic. Plan, 'cos we are all retired old farts, is to meander to Ardrishaig on Tues, leisurely transit on Wed, and Thursday through big Doris. An overnight sail on Tuesday (wind drops ~2000) will get you there in time to open the locks for us!
Bon voyage!

[mm5aho]

Smallest shortest CC2015 through the canal coming up.

Will call you some time to see where you're up to. If we carry on through Tuesday night, might be able to catch up about Ardrishaig, and even get a little shuteye before the canal opening hours.

At the rates they're charging, there might be only us two through there anyway, and a cuddly locking might ease the burden for older sailors.

I asked SIPR if they know what discount is being offered by Scottish Canals for SIPR entrants. Turns out to be an unspecified amount, restricted to those raising funds for charities, and on sight of a letter from that registered charity. Pity about the "registered" bit. I though we were raising funds for the Marisca / Contender benevolent fund!

[marisca]

We're leaving departure until the evening tomorrow - wind always drops in the evenings, doesn't it?

Looks like a fun forecast for the race. At least we get an easterly through Big Doris on Thursday.

See you soon Geoff!

[Nick]

.
Had quite pleasant short sails yesterday and today - very blustery, but nothing too hideous.

[mm5aho]

We'll be leaving Rhu at about 1900 I think. Kyles, and maybe anchor for a sleep somewhere like Burnt Isles, or Kames, then carry on for Ardrishaig to enter canal after opening time.
Should get blown through auld Dorus whatever the tide?
Been blowing strongly in W Lothian today.

See you somewhere along that route.