Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

rick.jones's picture

Suggested by Quentin Sands and Roly Simpson I'd definitely be up for a trip out of Plymouth taking in, perhaps, Looe, Polperro and Fowey. My mother in law is on speaking terms with the harbour master and I know all the pubs. It's the sort of cruise I'd like to do on my own but would feel a lot more confident if I was doing it with others - Looe harbour has certain challenges. Please let us know if you would be interested in attending this event, and if so on what dates.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

45 Comments

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Please put me down for this, I would certainly be interested. The Plymouth area is an old stamping ground of mine from my days living in Plymouth, and would be keen to spend some time down there again. Plymouth to Salcombe is a really good sail too.

I'm reasonably flexible on dates, so I can fit with everyone else.

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

hi there.we are interested in this trip, await more details.
mick and Maureen Watson Iona 26 C

rick.jones's picture

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Just a provisional update - this is now pencilled in for 6th to 14th August, subject to confirmation from organisers. More definite information to follow soon.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

rick.jones's picture

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

More information, as published in the newsletter:

A possible location to launch and recover would be The Mountbatten Centre. This is right next to Plymouth Yacht Haven.

If the weather is not suitable for venturing too far out, sailing on Plymouth Sound is nice and safe, and exploring the rivers is both interesting in the area around Plymouth, and picturesque as you reach the tranquil expanses of the Upper Tamar and St Germains rivers.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

Happy New Year

I managed to get out on Windermere yesterday and had it to myself. Wonderful. Am very much looking forward to more Macgregor-ing this year and hope some of you will make it to Plymouth in August - more details to follow. Have attached some pics from yesterday ... Happy New Year

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Hi guys. We had quite a good show of hands at the AGM for this event.
Quentin has done some research and found much the best deal regarding launching and storage of cars and trailers is to be had at Plymouth Yacht Haven ....cost about £40.00 in all for the week with a reduction on 2 nights stay in the marina.
Weather permitting we would set off Westwards on Sunday after a shakedown sail on Saturday. Hoping to reach Looe that evening which is 11nm from the headland off Plymouth. Afternoon tide in favour . Thereafter we could may rach Mevagissey and back home via Fowey. River Yealm definately on thd cards and finish with exploring the Tamar.
So far we have reserved 6 berths at PYH.

Its good to have had the feedback already from Hogwash and Iona but it will be good to have others come fwd on this site in the coming weeks.
Roly

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Tenacity would also be up for this - but weather, Ceri's activities etc. permitting ...

quentin.sands's picture

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Excellent news if Tenacity can be there. So far, I think Roly and I are definites - are there any more definites? Or, probablys? Perhaps some maybes?

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

As per my previous post, I am very interested in the Looe/Plymouth gig; as for "definite", I reserve the right to decide in early July whether I can make it in August, but barring ill health, natural disasters, or civil riot or commotion, I shall be there.

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

"civil riot or commotion" - I guess you mean just a regular Mac Event then?

:D

mike

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Hi Quentin et al
Are the dates for this confirmed as 6 - 14th Aug. I am a definite probable for this
Regards
Jim Pen Gwyn.

david.claassen's picture

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

I very much want to attend this event. I am currently planning on it, and, barring any family emergency, will be there!

David

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

quentin.sands's picture

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

Hi Jim and other posters on this thread....good to see interest building and yes, definitely planning to gather in Plymouth (Yacht Haven) on Friday and Saturday 5th/6th August with a view to embarking on the first leg to Looe, subject to conditions, on Sunday 7th August - and then perhaps to Fowey the day after. Various possibilities remain after that but if we are blessed with fair weather then I imagine the plan will be to be back in Plymouth the following Friday or Saturday. It would be excellent to see you there Jim. Hope all is well. Quentin

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Re: Looe (possibly from Plymouth)

The boss and I were down in Plymouth in March in the caravan and did a quick recce round the marinas, including Plymouth Yacht Haven. They were very friendly and despite the ongoing office refurbishment it looked like a well equipped marina with lots of facilities. The public slipway (which the marina recommend for launches as their own one is more or less out of action) is wide and accommodating, but does not have any pontoon alongside for mooring after the launch. The slipway is a little way from the marina, but there is a nearby pontoon used by the Mountbatten Diving Centre; for a daily membership fee of £5 this is available for tying up if, like us, we prefer to get our boat ready before setting off. Especially If a lively westerly is blowing, I would prefer to get the keel and rudders down to reduce windage before finding my marina berth.

Incidentally, it is quite a hike through the outskirts of Plymouth from the A38 to the Yacht Haven with some narrow roads and steep hills. Just as a heads-up for those who may find it taking quite a while to get there! We might go down a few days earlier and launch from Queen Anne's Battery marina which is quite a bit closer.

quentin.sands's picture

In training for the Summer.

In training for the Summer. 30th April yesterday, one year on from hip op. Lovely day on Windermere. Four seasons in three hours. Ratty the dog (not Ratty the mascot) came with me. Motored up lake and came back on the genoa. After her run with t'other dog, the Mrs joined me on the Mrs for lunch. A perfect day.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

Sorry if you are bored with

Sorry if you are bored with pictures from Cumbria but it is such fun up here at the moment. Had a brilliant sail this weekend in near perfect conditions. Also enjoyed the delights of nearby Wray Castle. In the boat house, on the upper floor, was an art installation called the Museum of Water. The boat house was amazing enough but filled with a thousand samples of water, in myriad containers added greatly to the fascination: glacial water, ganges water, antarctic water, water trapped in the wreck of the Titanic....I plan to add Macgregor ballast water to the collection. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of it but it was a treat. Also saw a very clean looking 26C called, I think, Laney. Wondered if they were members but they were leaving as we arrived. Anyone know a boat called Laney? Anyway, at the risk of overkill, here are some more pics to whet your appetite for, perhaps, an end of season gathering on Lake Windermere. I have been here five years and in some ways am just scratching the surface.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hello All,

Hello All,

Very much up for this rally - is there a meeting-up plan in place yet? It's been 8 years since I towed my boat so It will be like reinventing the wheel for me!

Regards, John Richardson (Sonny)

quentin.sands's picture

Hi John

Hi John

My plan is to travel down from Yorkshire on Friday 5th August and launch that afternoon/evening or on Saturday morning, depending on mood, weather, energy etc

Plymouth Yacht Haven agreed a deal with us for launching, parking and berthing that sounded reasonable when I spoke to the office in November. That's about as far as I have got but the thinking, is of sailing locally on the Saturday, at least, and then heading west.

I'm as definite as it's possible to be, in these turbulent times, that I will be there.

I wonder how others are fixed?

Quentin

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Tenacity will (hopefully) be

Tenacity will (hopefully) be arriving in Plymouth on the Saturday to launch afternoon or evening and catch up with anyone else.

I don't think we have any boats called Laney, if you see her again - stick one of our flyers through the hatchway. (Flyers out of date I've just remembered)

Has anyone heard of an X called Zephyr ??

Liz

Hi guys.  It looks like there

Hi guys. It looks like there could be 8 boats for this event.....great!

Aranah has been poorly this year and hence not launched yet on account of faulty servicing causing engine to need to be stripped down and then the company went bust!

Im hoping to have her fixed but ptherwise might have to stow away !

I am also facing mutiny from my crew so may be looking for others interested.

Anyway i shall be there.

quentin.sands's picture

I seem to remember Mike

I seem to remember Mike creating a check list of essential items for Macgregor gatherings but I have been unable to find it in the forums. I wouldn't mind having a look at it, if anyone could direct me to it? My intention is not to bring my dinghy to Plymouth - or should I? I will call Plymouth Yacht Haven this week and re-confirm the terms of the deal I discussed back in November. 8 boats would be a good turn out.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones's picture

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

The organisers notes, and other important info, are under Members Area in top menu, section Documents.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

quentin.sands's picture

Thanks Rick, I discovered all

Thanks Rick, I discovered all sorts of interesting stuff in the members area, including the Navionics charts.....very good. I read the Organiser's Notes too. Still looking for a checklist for towing and one for minimum safety/equipment needs. I appreciate it is probably common sense but when I read it last time I remember noting that I didn't tick all the boxes. If there isn't one buried within the forum, it might be worth creating one.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

I spoke to Plymouth Yacht

I spoke to Plymouth Yacht Haven this morning and confirmed the price for berthing at £21.76 per boat per night and parking of car and trailer at £5 per day. They recommend launching at the Mountbatten Centre. The prices above are based on four boats turning up. I suggested arrivals will on Friday 5th, possibly, and Saturday 6th. I spoke to Andy Thornsby, who is Haven Master - 01752 404231

I spoke to Jim Rotheram t'other day and he will not be attending.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Good news -.... I hope ...a

Good news -.... I hope ...a new company has taken over my engine and say they will have it ready and also my trailer . l could do with a crew member so anyone who wanted to come but notable or willing to bring their boat please contact me.

looking forward to sailing with you all !

Roly

Hi everyone.  Quentin will be

Hi everyone. Quentin will be contacting everyone personally but this is now the LAST CALL for those interested in the event to make yourselves known and PLEASE CAN ALL THOSE WHO HAVE INDICATED THEY MAY BE COMING NOW CONFIRM THEIR [LAN TO ATTEND , INDICATING LIKELY ARRIVAL TIME..by reply on this site will be ok.

Roly

quentin.sands's picture

Hello

Hello

Roly and I spoke last night and have hatched a plan, subject to usual provisos re weather etc

There may be some arrivals to Plymouth Yacht Haven on Friday afternoon/evening but more likely on Saturday morning or lunchtime. It would be good to have all boats launched, rigged and ready for action by late afternoon on the Saturday. In the evening, perhaps a trip across to the Barbican area for a meal together?

Sunday - Shake down cruising in Plymouth Sound

Monday - to Looe

Tuesday - to Fowey (via Polperro?)

Wednesday - lay up day

Thursday - Fowey to the Yealm - Newton Ferrers?

Friday - back to Plymouth to prepare for departure or up the Tamar for more....

Entry to Looe is subject to tide, weather and availability of berths. Well worth the effort if we can get in, but Fowey wil be a back up.

Also, we may decide to leave for Looe on the Sunday if conditions are favourable and everyone is organised, in agreement and ready to go. It will give us slightly better timing for entry into Looe, than Monday.

Personally, I will not be bringing a tender. I have several paper charts, the West Country Cruising Companion, navionics on my phone, admiralty charts on a tablet and a garmin 72 that I haven't worked out how to use properly. I hope to have had a fixed vhf fitted; if not, I've got a hand held vhf. I have one crew member, my friend Gavin who is competent but inexperienced - like me really - who will jump ship mid-week and give way, I hope, to either a son or a brother or another friend.

It would be good to have some firm commitment now. Please, if you are intending to join us let us know on this forum and provide as much detail as possible. Any members who haven't already shown interest, now is your chance. Roly is still looking for crew, which might be a great opportunity for someone seeking experience.

Let us know your plans,

Thank you

Quentin and Roly,

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi Quentin and Roly and

Hi Quentin and Roly and everyone,

Yes, we are still planning to come - assuming we survive the Poole Experience and our house survives the Cerian Experience. We have a function up here on Friday night (5th) so will sleep in the boat somewhere up the Conwy valley (on the trailer) and set off as soon as we sober up. Realistically, we'll probably arrive later in the afternoon, we can keep in touch via mobiles (07811 394339), it doesn't take us long to launch - so if you have all headed off to the Barbican before us we can catch you up.

River Yealm would be good - and up the Tamar. Some of these plans might be long trips for our little 19 feet! We might hang around a bit after the Friday/Saturday, for a couple of days, head up the Tamar, catch up with friends here and there etc.

We have the various charts and navionics on the iPad and radios, probably will bring our tender.

So, do we launch at Mountbatten then take the trailer round to Plymouth YH?

Praying for some nice weather!

Liz

Hello Roly & Quentin,

Hello Roly & Quentin,

Bob & I will be there, planning to travel Friday unsure of eta at the present time. Will have paper charts before leaving home and will have tender, oardriven!

John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

Regards,

david.claassen's picture

  After reading all of the

After reading all of the posts I feel it's best if I Do not plan on attending this evening. I don't know if my daughter will be ambulatory by then and I don't want to back out at the last minute. Best to just plan ahead for better times. Thanks so much!

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

Hi folks,

Hi folks,

Sorry about the delay in coming back to you Quentin and Rick, but I can finally confirm that Hogwash will be attending this event. My wife Erika and I will be leaving Bristol bright and early on Saturday 6th August, and hope to arrive at Plymouth Yacht Haven sometime around midday or early afternoon.

We were humming and ha-ing about his trip, as this will be a first for us on many levels: it will be the first time we have taken the boat out on anything but flat calm rivers, the first time fully rigged, a first sail in this particular boat for me and realistically the first time my wife has sailed at all. Also it will be the first time we have spent a night on the boat, so she is currently a gibbering idiot and has put her life jacket on now just in case the house capsizes and sinks tonight.

We were thinking of going down to Queen Anne's Battery marina in Plymouth (easier access, nicer slipway) a day or two earlier, and get acquainted with the boat and living aboard, but it would all be too complicated getting the boat, the car and the trailer over to the Yacht Haven when you guys arrived.

We have had lots of practice putting up the mast and taking it down again (in Bristol harbour, ready for a sail in the Bristol Channel which never happened), but launch and recovery is usually very stressful for us; so any assistance with this part would be most welcome. I guess we all have to start somewhere so I'm relieved that we are at last biting the bullet and going sailing. It's an area I know well having lived in and around Plymouth for some 10 years, and had a lot of fun sailing an old Hurley 22 up and down the coast back in the 90's.

So, what could possibly go wrong?

John and Erika Richards

quentin.sands's picture

Thank you for the responses

Thank you for the responses so far and for the private message from Jim Rotheram.

I will summarise the roll of attendees:

Roly in Aranah 26M – arriving Friday night or Saturday morning

Quentin and Gavin in Mrs Macgregor 26C – arriving Friday night or Saturday morning

John and Bob in Sonny 26M – arriving Friday

John and Erika in Hogwash 26M – arriving Saturday midday-ish

Liz and David in Tenacity 19 – arriving Saturday afternoon

Jim and Susan in Pengwyn 26X – arriving Friday

Responses to queries:

Liz, yes the plan is to launch at Mountbatten Centre and then take car and trailer to Plymouth YH. Re distances….I suppose the return journey from Fowey could be a bit of a stretch…if all goes well in Looe on the outward leg we could always go back in on the return?

John, brilliant that you are taking the plunge! It seems to me that there is a broad range of experience amongst the crews attending and I am sure you will not want for support. Several boats at least will be launched by the time you arrive so there should be hands available to help. However, it might help us if you can let us know on the day precisely when you are arriving so someone can be there.

Which brings me to….it might be helpful if all crew members shared our mobile phone numbers. You could put them on this forum or message me privately and I will distribute a list of contacts to everyone.

In the meantime, I will contact Plymouth Yacht Haven and perhaps the Mountbatten Centre too, to confirm numbers.

I am attaching a photograph that my wife took last week. It shows the visitor berths in Looe. There are some quite long ropes in use. If you have ‘em, bring ‘em.

Keep in touch on the forum.

Quentin and Roly

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi guys . I'm afraid that

Hi guys . I'm afraid that Aranah will not be coming but I shall join John on Sonny arriving Saturday midday ish.

Roly

quentin.sands's picture

 

Just updating the roll in view of additions and alterations.....

Quentin and Gavin on Mrs Macgregor 26C – arriving Friday afternoon, night or Saturday morning

John and Bob on Sonny 26M – arriving Friday - joined by Roly Saturday lunchtime

John and Erika on Hogwash 26X – arriving Saturday midday-ish

Liz and David on Tenacity 19 – arriving Saturday afternoon

Jim and Susan on Pengwyn 26X – arriving Friday

Mick and Maureen on Iona 26C - arriving Friday

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hello Quentin,

Hello Quentin,

Just to clarify, Bob will not be coming at all, Roly and I will be on Sonny and arriving Friday.

Regards, John Richardson Sonny 26M

james.brine's picture

My compadre Jon (Achilles 24)

My compadre Jon (Achilles 24) and I (26x) are presently in Truro and will be moving to Plymouth this weekend. We have our own agenda I'm afraid as Jon having a non-trailerable boat needs to get to Brixam but it seems our paths may cross. I'll try and catch you on our travels but we are going in the other direction. Will try and hold up on in Plymouth for a bit longer. Maybe see you there. J

james.brine's picture

My 26x Proteus is presently

My 26x Proteus is presently moored on No3 swinging mooring in Mountbatten. Will be going down to the boat Friday but probably get there late. If you could let me know your plans, I could possibly catch last orders with you Friday or possibly join you Sat. Sadly don't have the time off to join you for the rest and have just come from that direction anyway!

quentin.sands's picture

Hi James - it would be good

Hi James - it would be good to see you Friday, you might have some useful info for us, having just come from the West. My no is 07817297898.

Setting off shortly to the Lakes to take Mrs Mac off the lake and prep her for travel, departing Bowness at 8, I hope, which means I will be in Plymouth anytime between 3 and 7, I hope. I haven't been in person to Plymouth before so others may know better than me but what I know is that the slipway(s) are both public slipways located just behind the Mount Batten Centre, Lawrence Road, PL9 9SJ If you google maps this postcode and zoom in, it will show you the Mount Batten Centre and if you use the earth view, you can se there are two slipways, one shallow and one steep...I think the shallow one is the most likely. There is also a pontoon/jetty between the two slipways which I think you can use to tie up to - or you could motor straight round to Plymouth Yacht Haven which is very close but you'd need to radio to PYH, or check-in, (they have your names and boat names) and get a berthing number first. There may be a fee for launching and if you leave the car and trailer for any time at the MB centre, they may charge.

Anyway, the forecast looks fair...don't wish to tempt fate....and although I depart the bosom of the family with some trepidation, I am looking forward to a week's Magregoring.

See you there.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

We are still on schedule - I

We are still on schedule - I think everyone can collect everyone's mobile numbers from the members section on the website?? Any idea where we might be on the Friday night??

Liz

Quentin,

Quentin,

You may not have seen my post (#16) on 5th April, but I visited the PYH with my wife back in March and posted a photo of the slipway (this was on the previous version of the web site, so it no longer appears - I've tried reposting but get an error). To recap, the slipway belonging to the marina was not useable and we were recommended to use the public slipway to the right of the Mountbatten Centre, which we understood was free to use. The pontoon to the left of the slipway belongs to the MB Centre, but for a day's membership of £5 it can be used for mooring before heading off to the marina. I'm not sure if this is per boat or whether they could do a deal for all of the Mac owners.

I lived in and around Plymouth for 12 years so know the city and the area well, but never visited the area where Plymouth Yacht Haven is now. In March when we visited they were in the middle of major refurbishment work, but it looked like quite a well-equipped marina. There is a lot of competition along the waterfront in Plymouth from Mayflower Marina (smart but quite expensive), Sutton Harbour (accessed through a lock), Queen Anne's Battery (perfect, but always very busy), etc., so I'm looking forward to seeing how the PYH compares. One of the drawbacks we have already found is poor access via the crowded, hilly roads through Turnchapel which seem to go on forever, but we both hope it will be worth it.

See on Saturday, I'll call with our ETA on the day.

quentin.sands's picture

I will soon be posting some

I will soon be posting some photos from the Plymouth rally but a few words too just to say how much I enjoyed this meeting. 6 MacGregor boats gathered on the Friday and Saturday and for a couple of days explored the river Tamar, Plymouth Sound and the anchorage at Cawsand. Four boats proceeded to Looe after two boats had, unfortunately, to retire early due to technical issues. After Looe, three boats continued to Fowey - where, I hear, another great night was had by all! - while I returned to Plymouth for a crew change. The following night the four boats were reunited on the pontoon in the gorgeous Yealm. The following day two boats departed for home but Liz and Dave in Tenacity returned to the Plymouth area and had a night on the St Germans river, in Dandy Hole - a perfect place apparently - while Cabin Boy 2 and me motored to Fowey. On the last day I enjoyed a brilliant sail back to Plymouth using my spinnaker (or is it a cruising chute?) for the first time in anger and Liz and Dave also returned to Plymouth and we both recovered and departed for home on the Friday evening.

I think the rally typified the nature of these gatherings in that it provided the camaraderie and technical support that some of us appreciate but it also provided the flexibility and freedom for individual boats to do their own thing. It takes a leap of faith to commit to a week with people you've never really met before but it's a leap that is worth going for. For me it provided an excellent environment for improving my sailing skills and confidence building; it was also very social, in an easy-going sort of way. I would highly recommend everyone tries to attend one of the rallies next year.

Thanks in particular to Roly whose sailing experience, sense of adventure and frolicsome-ness, framed the whole week.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hear hear!!!  

Hear hear!!!

Just to add to Quentin (and

Just to add to Quentin (and Liz's) comments the Plymouth rally was thoroughly enjoyable with good sailing and great apres sail. Thanks to all who attended but especially to Quentin and Roly for their organisation and convivial leadership.

Roll on next summer!

Jim and Susan Pen Gwyn

mike.floutier's picture

Great to hear this went well!

Great to hear this went well!

We thought of you all as we're only a few miles down the coast at Falmouth, hope to be joining in next season.

MacGregor 26M 2009 - Sky's the Limit -  Suzuki DF50