There has been some communication between myself, Chairman GGGGG, Paul Davis and others in regards of an easter trip north to Scotland in 2006. As I live up north and have been doing a bit of organising of Merlin events over the last year I thought that this idea was a smashing one and may help boost our cause north of the border.
So far the communication we have had has been that there must be good sailing, good beer and lots of accomodation. Myself and Calum not to mention the rest of the Scottish fleet have been discussing venues for this preposed event but we would really like some indication of numbers before we approach the clubs we have in mind.
How does this idea sound, how many Merlins do you think would make the effort to travel north.

Format for this event would be similar to the one that was held in France a couple of years ago, a weekend regatta 4 race series.....
We have options on type of venue - sea river loch ect so let us know your thoughts.

Does anyone know if MOTORRAIL still operates from London?

It doesn't. It stopped a while ago.  I suppose cars are a lot more reliable.

I have sailed on the sea, rivers, gravel pits, & lakes before, but never on a Loch, That will be a first, maybe it should be one of the new st qualifying types 
ie
Sea
restricted
open
loch 

PS(is there a rule for avoiding a monster?, or does it have right of way)

Wicked idea!

Could we go somewhere with seals and other interesting marine life? That would certainly help entice my crew..

And whisky too, although I hear that it's fairly omnipresent thereabouts.

Could it be made part of the Silver Tiller?

the only monster I've ever seen up here is my good lady, when she got to the bill for my new kite before I could hide it.   and she without doubt has right of way!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to sail on a loch. I might even be able to persuade the wife as she has always fancied spotting Nessie (seriously, that might swing it!). Been wanting to visit Scotland for years - just need something for the kids to do....?

Dont forget to tell us how far you are prepared to travel. So far its loch, whisky and monster---hmmmm

It would be a good idea to flag up that Easter Sunday is 16th April next year.

Always remember that Edinburgh or Glasgow is only half-way to almost anywhere in Scotland time wise that is. So allow for that in travel plans.

This is a great idea and I think it would be totally appropriate to go to Scotland for the 60th Anniversary and here's the reason why.....

For those of you who know the Clyde Quaich Trophy (the big wooden trophy presented to the winner of the 3rd race at the Champs), this is the "Merlin International Trophy" that was sailed for in 1947 between the Brits and the Scots.  

Several years ago Chairman GGGG and I met Joan Braithwaite (nee Moody) - an amazing lady who had her own Merlin and sailed in the first Champs at Hayling - she was still sailing an X-Boat at the age of 80!!  She told me the story of how Jack Holt, Beecher Moore, Group Captain Haylock and she towed their Merlins all the way up to the Clyde (no mean feat in those days with no motorways or combi trailers). Apparently the Clyde Merlins were unable to keep their high ratio masts upright and Beecher had offered to take some Merlins up there to let them see how it was done.  It took them three days to get to the Clyde for a week’s sailing at various clubs around the area and the week was finished with an international race between England and Scotland.  England came back triumphant (11 points to 10) with the Merlin International Trophy presented by Forth Merlin Class, which Beecher subsequently presented to the association.

Joan gave me the original Programmes and various newspaper cuttings for the events and on the back of one programme, she has scribbled the International results - a real piece of class history.  

Whilst I'm not advocating a re-run of this event (the Scots might be well out-numbered by the Brits!!) I think a trip to Scotland would be great and I'd love to sail on a loch.  One venue would also be good rather than a different club every day as in 1947.....  somewhere with good yotting and please, not too far north for us southern softies!!

I think we should go for it!

This is sounding better all the time.

The nearest superb sailing Loch is St Mary's Loch which is South of Glasgow/Edinburgh and just over an hour from Carlisle or Newcastle.

This is however a mainly E****prise (no Merlins there) club but I'm sure they would be open to holding a Merlin event.

They have an excellent clubhouse, free camping and a pub next door and that's it for about 10 miles around.

(there will definitely be more Brits than Scots at such an event as the Scots are also Brits!)

"Oft in my mind such thoughts awake by lone St Mary's silent lake.
Thou know'st it well, - nor fen nor sedge pollute the pure lake's crystal edge.
Abrupt and sheer the mountains sink at once upon the level brink,
And just a trace of silver sand marks where the water meets the land."

Sir Walter Scott, Marmion.

St Mary's Loch was my initial thought both geographically and sailingwise.  Not too far north for you southern guys and good sailing by all accounts.  Stunning scenery - think the link above says it all.

This thought has cheered me up after my errr disappointing Nationals(result that is) , defo up for it and im sure we could get quite a few Wembleyites up there too

How big is St Marys Loch ? Ive always heard good reports of it

Three miles long and a mile wide.  We don't do things by half!!

Ok so I will need a compass then?

Probably enough land fixes from the hills. Lots of iron in the gound there I remember from my Military Days that compasses (magnetic anyway) don't work too reliably in the Borders. If this excellent venue, it looks superb how deep? Lochs tend to be very deep and develop an "interesting" wave pattern, were no good or wouldn't host would Pollock be a suitable alternate? its on the A/M? 8(Roads get pretty blured after all that driving!) and I see yots on  it as I dash north to the Highlands in the autumn. Loch Ness Whale Farms might sponsor the event? 
A trophy? 
A copy of Peter Scott's excellent picture of the Loch Ness Monster "Nessiteras Rhombopteryx" suitably framed and enscribed perhaps.

St Marys is one of the clubs on our list cos its not to far north and I have good contacts there. It is just into Scotland so no monsters or other sea life. We do have other possibilities so keep your thoughts/opinions coming.

Don't worry Mr Geek,

You'll have a nice hill atop which to sit with your binoculars and notepad writing the report for Yachts and Yachting and the website.

Love

Fellow pseudonym user!

Sadly, I shall be elsewhere, if the dates are as proposed. though I will send a deepute to sit atop a hill,the lines of Walter Scott- sorry it was Robert Burns (A lowland tax collector!) deserve a parady "my heart etc."

They've got a fleet of RS's there - Think we could convert a few?

Converts are few and far between since St Columba. A mission to convet from those awful RS things would be worth while. Is Good Friday a working day in Scotland? I seem to recall it is but my diary and MS Office are no help.

To be fair, we probably should propose to sail on Sat and Sun so we don't need to book holiday for the travelling.

Good Friday is a working day here.

This is a great idea, i  think we should always go to some venues were there are no Merlins to spread the gospel
I  favour st Marys if we can get over the wall ( hadrians)

Guess we probably couldnt justify a meeting all of our own so suggest tagging onto another open

It slightly bigger than Wembley so should be enough space

The more general website for St Mary's Loch is below.  I had not realised that there was an adjacent pub so that is a bonus!

St Marys have their open regatta this weekend(Aug 27) and most clubs stick to around the same dates each year so it may require an event just for us but if they have club racing scheduled it could be a merlin bash plus club racing. One of many reasons why we require as much input from anyone seriously intending to participate so we can make an early approach to the favoured club.

I reckon St Marys for easter would be cool - what next?

Being in Scotland before Mid-summer it will be "chully" which is I suppose cool! - if not even cold.

If its no colder than the Chichester Snowflake then I daresay we could cope on the water. But off the water...if we're camping....brrrrr! Is there no other accomodation?

Would it be possible to get a list on the web site where people could mark a definite interest so we can start to approach clubs with a view to them hosting an event for us. As Calum said most clubs in Scotland hold regatta's round about the same time in the year and i think that it could be tricky finding a club that suits us at that time of year.
another thought in regards of venue - there is a Clyde trophy whcih is raced for at the nationals so it might be nice to find a club there - seems to tie in well with history and 60th year ect.
as for climate the water temperture is said to be lowest in feburary so Easter time should be positivley warm......

There are a couple of very tempted Herrings here.  St Mary's looks really good.  This is probably a silly idea but, as you are looking for other ideas, any thoughts on the west coast - Oban/Tarbert way?  Further to travel but top venue by all accounts.

A couple more thoughts as both these venues look good and a big part of the success of an event like this will be:
 
a) a plentiful supply of accommodation in the immediate vicinity so that people don't disappear off and not come back for the social.  Mags is right about camping being chilly at that time of year and if the weathers naf then it's a thoroughly miserable proposition!

b) a club or hostelry when we can all socialise of an evening - after all if us southerners are coming all that way, we'd like to meet you guys!

I hear and obey...

Just thought we should look at what we're letting ourselves in for here.

The AA route planner says that it's 450 miles and it'll take 10 1/2 hours (without breaks) to get from my place (High Wycombe) to Tarbert

St Mary's is 345 miles and only 7 hours.

Ouch.

Largs SC may be an other consideration it is one of the best facilities in the West of Scotland and the Scottish RYA base plenty of accomidation, camping, berthing, launching areas and loads of pubs and clubs. I dont have the 2006 list yet but will look for it today.

Flip, don't be so pessimistic.

Let your wife drive and the 345 miles would take 4.5 hours

Easy peasey !!!

PS Has she lost the 3 points from Abersoch yet ??!!??

here is a link to largs sailing club
there is lots of info on accomidation saiing area and facilities etc 
and its on the Clyde

http://www.largssc.co.uk/

Hamish and I thought that a sensible cut off would be the central belt(Glasgow/Edinburgh) as any further would be considerably further. The venue should have plenty and various types of accomodation, good eating and drinking options, good reliable sailing water(if its off a beach into unprotected sea then a decent onshore wind can cause problems with launching etc due to waves) and a willing and able club team. Port edgar has been suggested as its just outside Edinburgh. Sailing water just to west and under the Forth Bridges, This would give anyone not sailing the opportunity to see the sights. Club house is basic but lots of B&B, resturants, pubs close at hand. Thoughts please.

Sounds great !!

OMFG look at Port Edgar - it's amazing!!!!

How far from edinburgh is it - It's the crews birthday that weekend so I may have to offer a night or two in a Hotel to sweeten her up.....

Looks like the best compromise as the non-sailors have something to do as well !!

Try the Royal Forth at Granton good harbour real Robert Louis Stevenson type town V' Close to Edinburgh and Dr Johnsons' "Noble Sight". and the Forth Road Bridge too.

Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh city centre is 10 miles

Accommodation and pubs in South Queensferry are pretty good too.

Gonna cost me fortune to keep the crew sweet.

What's the tide like in the Forth?

Port Edgar is a great sugestion even the wife wants to come now, not to sail, just the shops and shows.££££££££££

But if your good lady has that to look forward to then just think what you can spend on a new boat to replace the pitchpoled dedecked one.

Tides vicous! But a conveyor belt or was in 1987.

Calum I will call you this weekend I want to compare notes with Hamish and yourself on the MSM's!!

Maggs, thanks for the voting page, its exactly what i wanted. i think with the numbers already expressing an interest Calum and myself will publish the list of clubs were thinking about and also start to approach them.
As for long distance drives, if you live up here and want to buy a Merlin you gotta go south. Calum and I did 1000 miles to get mine in spring over the course of a weekend and i didnt fall asleep at the wheel once!!.
Its a good call by Calum to be looking at non sea events, the weather can still be a bit wild at easter and an open sea event in the wrong conditions means a wasted drive for all and thats the last thing we need.
Come the thought coming though.

Port Edgar would be an excellent venue in my (humble) opinion - about as easy as it gets to get to plus excellent views, things to do, etc.

Think we should settle on it quickly so planning can start.

If we make this an annual event we could move it about - what about Kielder - masses of water and right on the Border.  No idea what the club is like but loaction may tempt more people from deep south.

As Frazer in Dads Army would have put it remember the nights arrrre still looooong and the days still cooooooold that far North at that time of the year so the apres yot will be long and the sailing prog' needs to be crisp.

Port Edgar is a good venue - I sailed there several times last year whilst I was posted to Rosyth dockyard.  The changing rooms and shower facilities are a little dated and in need of refurbishment, but no worse than many other more regular Merlin clubs (although not a patch on HISC - what a great nationals!).  As far as I know there are no Merlins there, only ex-navy Bosuns and a few RSs, but the bosuna nd safety-boat drivers were a friendly bunch and I have some contact numbers if you want them. For me though, the real bonus would be the proximity to South Queensferry and Edinburgth, both of which are EXCELLENT runs ashore. I only wish I could be there next Easter, and din't have to go galivanting off foreign on a big grey ship...

Pity you have to go mate, will miss you at B/E Week!. And even more of a shame to be selling that lovely boat of yours!! Might try and make the trip myself, Mrs likes Scotland so good excuse!!

Jeremy, glad to to hear that you are going to Scotland, why not make it a long stay so that the rest of us can pick up some club points!

Thanks JB, I have given you old boys the last 3 weeks to catch up and i thought that would be enough! Still have lots on in the next 2 months so may have to withdraw my challenge for the Summer Series and just be happy with the Spring!

According to the poll, we might have 15 boats making the trip!

How much do I need to pay a kidly soul with a double trailer to take my boat up for me, so I can fly instead (thus keeping the wife/kids happy) ?

Sounds an excellent idea to me.  It will be great to return to bonny Scotland having spend 3/4 golden years studying up there at Stirling Uni.

Come to think of it, my boat is called Total Eclipse.  Total Eclipse of the Heart was sung by BONNIE Tyler.  Therefore, by some very obscure default/coincidence, God is telling me to go north next Easter.  And who said he is an Englishman?  Perhaps, he's been a Scots all this time!

She's alive and well but of no country and working on a simpler project!

We now have agreement in principal from Port Edgar to run an event for Merlins over Easter 2006 in an area of the Forth estuary beside the Forth Bridges. The club is located in South Queensferry where there is a sailing school, sailmakers, boat sales/chandlery, marina, cafe and its just outside Edinburgh with good public transport/road links into the city or to motorways south.

South Queensferry has hotels,resturaunts,pubs,supermarket,fast food. Accomodation available in B&B, hotels, Travel Lodge and possibly camping (need to check its ok).

If we can get a good idea of the number of people who will commit to attend it might be worth while trying to book accomodation for the event. I am sure if an approach was made to a hotel for a block booking over the easter weekend there might be some cost advantages to be had.

just a thought.
I will be in that neck of the woods this afternoon so i will check out camping facilities if i get the chance.

Watch out for those motorways south of Edinburgh!

I belong to a club in the heart of the New Town which has a small self-contained flat for hire at the back.  Only about ten minutes walk from Princes St.  If anyone is thinking in terms of a family based holiday and wants more details, let me know.

there has been 43 notes of interest on this event. i would like to say a big thanks to all that have voted so far. There will be an article in the next Merlin magazine giving a bit more information on what I am trying to achieve( subject to the magazine editors approval!!). If the people who said that they would like to attend could confirm with me after the article in the magazine could get in touch I will be able to approach the local hotels / B&B's / camp sites and investigate reduced rates.
Is there anything that you would like as a social event for the evenings? I am open to suggestions but had in mind a trip to Edinburgh or some sort of function in the local town. These things cost and i would like to keep costs down but please feel free to suggest. Its your holiday after all and i want to make this as good as it can be....

i think we should be exposed to a bit of culture/tradition! 
a ceildah, some whiskey, kilts worn all round....
(apologies for dodgy spelling there.)

No kilts South of the Highland Line, my Godmother a southerner but married to a Highland Grandee said her husband once blackballed a man for membership of the "New"Club in Edinburgh because he's been seen in a kilt in Edinburgh! The highland line runs from Fort William (SW to Inverness.) (Approx.)south of that its trews of you are entitled to a tartan if not its trousers, such as "Donald Lost!" Best not to offend in advance, if they are offendable if not they'll still be impressed.

Mr A. Geek, is there anything you don't know?

Now as a student I would have quite happily worn tartan trousers, but these days I fear I couldn't get away with it.

But do you have the legs for a kilt Mags?

Hell no! Actually its my knees that are the problem, too knobbly.
And as for those high socks you have to wear - nooooo.

never mind the socks - what about the underwear (or lack of it!) definate noooooooooooo!

You could of course have a REEL party I would recommend the purchase of Roddy Martines book "The Swinging Sporron" a guide to the more esoteric reels such as "REEL of the 51st", "Hamilton House", "Machine without horses" plus the usual 4 some, 8 some & 16 teen somes.(Read George McDonal Fraser's "The General Danced till Dawn!".Those in London could present themselves every Wednesday Night at Holy Trinity Brompton's Church Hall for REELING PRACTICE bring your own picnic supper starts at 8. ends at 10.30. It is also an excellent pick up place I've never gone home alone from there! And at my age that is saying something.

Mr A GEEK, i like your style. Knowledge and experience. You must be irresistable to the purple rinses....

We could do with somewhere like that in Scotland!!!!

Not the purple rinses more the 35-50 year olds with experience but mileage left!
EG.
The Geography of a Woman
Between the ages of 18 - 21 a woman is like Africa or Australia. She
is half discovered, half wild and naturally beautiful with bushland
around the fertile deltas.
Between the ages of 21 - 30 a woman is like America or Japan.
Completely discovered, very well developed and open to trade especially with
countries with cash or cars.
Between the ages of 30 - 35, she is like India or Spain. Very hot,
relaxed and convinced of its own beauty.
Between the ages of 35 - 40 a woman is like France or Argentina. She
may have been half destroyed during the war but can still be a warm and
desirable place to visit.
Between the ages of 40 - 50 she is like Yugoslavia or Iraq. She lost
the war and is haunted by past mistakes. Massive reconstruction is now
necessary.
Between the ages of 50 - 60 she is like Russia or Canada. Very wide,
quiet and the borders are practically unpatrolled but the frigid climate
keeps people away.
Between the ages of 60 - 70 a woman is like England or Mongolia. With
a glorious and all conquering past but alas no future.
After 70, they become Albania or Afghanistan. Everyone knows where it
is, but no one wants to go there.

I think you could be in trouble!!!!!!

Hi all is the date & venue finalised for the Easter event? I'm trying to sort out next years diary.

what's motorrail?

Motorail used to be a rail transport system for coming to Scotland from down south but was discontinued years ago.

Motorail used to be a rail transport system for coming to Scotland from down south but was discontinued years ago.  It was like the channel tunnel - drove your car on and then off at the other end - it was also hellish expensive as you had a sleeper to pay for.

Hope you enjoy this - if you are coming to Scotland this will be de rigeur!!!!  Hope the link works for you.

There could be a slight venue problem. I am looking for somewhere that has less than - 2.5 knts on tide.
Keep your eyes on the forum

There must be a loch with or without monster you could use?

St Marys Loch(18 miles from Jct15 M74) would be a great venue for the sailing though a bit remote for the entertainment junkies.

I also think there is a decent club on Loch Lomond I think the Cats did it this years in their Travellers!

How about a halfway house? Windemere I'm sure Steve Goacher would help organise a welcome at the RWYC.

But thats not a Loch!!

Or Scottish!!

I keep on hearing good stories about St Mary Loch and really believe as its just over the border that this is the best bet

I agree that Port Edgar is too tidal and the winds a bit dodgy under the bridge . Also not really the nicest spot in the world

No but "the noblest sight a Scotchman sees......"
as Dr Johnson was reported assaying by his biographer!

I don't see what your all moaning about, we have the whole of easter weekend. 
Friday travel up, 
race sat and sun, 
and monday the trip home, 
I know that we in the midlands have a head start, but if you keep up with Alan and that double trailer, I recon you will catch up by the boarder.
av speed 60 mph, 9 hrs driving = 540 miles or in Alans case 810 miles (you workout the ave),
this should put us well into Scotland.

Just had another thought
We could all meet at the boarder and have a CONVOY, or invasion fleet, with the chairman GGG at the head. At least then we might not get lost!!

I travelled up towing 111 from Leamington Spa to Biggar (north of St Mary's Loch) in one go with a slow bit around Birmingham (by the way although the toll M6 is quick they charge double with a trailer).  I left at 8am and was at my folks at 1pm. Like you said - a whole weekend in prospect.  It might be an idea to find out what the Enterprises did/do when they went to St Mary's as regards accommodation.  It is Easter and it won't necessarily be warm.  Leamington Spa to Aberdeen is 467 miles so as indicated 540 miles from the Midlands gets you well into Scotland!!!

St Mary's loch info, this is a good site for the area. 

http://www.stmarysloch.com/main.htm

there is a large grass area for boat parking and camping on site and a hotel/bar next door to the sailing club 20 miles to Pebbles & Selkirk and 15 miles to Moffat all with options for B&B Hotels etc.

This is still almost 2hours from home for me and I will be the nearest Scottish boat

Bill 241miles
Gary 165miles
Richard 120miles
Hamish & Calum 101miles
Scott 93miles

But this is probably the most accesable Loch for all attending boats.

Didn't this discussion or one very similar start at St Mary's Loch?
As a demonstration of Garry's common sense it is excellent.

Strathclyde Park Loch

http://www.northlan.gov.uk/leisure+and+tourism/sports+facilities/strathclyde+park/

I know its not huge but is on the side of the M74 50yards from jct5.
south of glasgow and very accesable.
they have held a lot of events here from the 2005 spcial olympics sailing to jet ski racing and rowing. may be worth a look.
  
well seen how is having a bad day eh.

This is well worth a look 
Strathclyde loch is not that big but its on the motorway and near civilisation
http://www.strathclydelochsailing.com/4597.html

This is well worth a look 
Strathclyde loch is not that big but its on the motorway and near civilisation
http://www.strathclydelochsailing.com/4597.html

In any event for those there it will be COLD! Access to hot baths will be essential.I'll be in Casacais.