Big Mac 2019 - Windermere July 24th to 31st

quentin.sands's picture

Original forum: 

  • On the water:Association events

This is the opening post on the Big Mac 2019 event. I will post again in much more detail at the end of next week after I have met with the manager of Windermere Marina Village and the wardens at Ferry Nab marina, next week.

An expression of interest on this forum would be helpful for numbers.

So far, apart from myself and Nicola, I think Roly and Ros, Rick and Glenys, Rod and Jill, Mick and Maureen, David K, John P, are all likely to attend.

Save the date if you can, let us know if you are interested and I will publish full details next week.

Spring is in the air.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

61 Comments

david.claassen's picture

 It’s too early to be certain

It’s too early to be certain, but I am hopeful that I will be there with Logan‘s Run.

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

john.pompei's picture

Hi Quentin,

Hi Quentin,

I will attend, Peter C is hoping to have Helena Rose there and I was hoping to crew for him and David C if he makes it, BUT I have another "Cunning Plan" and that is, if I can persuade any of my family to come up and stay in Windermere village for the week I would tow Ashanti up, so the Grandchildren could get some sailing. At the moment I am 'floating' the idea and will keep you posted.

It was nice to catch up last weekend, after you went back to your digs Roly and I had a nightcap or three and put the world to rights !!

Looking forward to the season ahead,

Best Regards,

John

PS

As I said at the AGM I will organise some cruising in the Medway/Swale during the summer and hope to get a few of the local Mac's to join in, of course anyone from farther afield will be welcome.

Also, I did offer to get in touch with the member who has the mould for the dagger board and offer to box it up, and store it in one of my warehouses so that it can be sent by carrier to anyone who would like to use it. If its OK with the committee I will do this.

It also occurs to me that the new member I think it was Derek said he had a mould for a rudder, which I think was a C class, I could do the same for that.

rick.jones's picture

It also occurs to me that the

It also occurs to me that the new member I think it was Derek said he had a mould for a rudder, which I think was a C class, I could do the same for that.

It was Keith talking about a rudder mould, it's for a 19. It was made by John Anstice-Brown.

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

Hi, I am storing the rudder

Hi, I am storing the rudder mould for the 19. My original idea was to use it to make river rudders for our 26M but at the AGM it was made clear that it would be too short. However, Roly nipped out to his car and brought in one stored in his car which he is prototyping from a a broken 26 rudder cut to length with the lower bit glassed to the top to make it double the surface area. Brilliant!

If anyone wants to use the 19 mould just let me know.

david.claassen's picture

John,

John,

Please keep me in the loop regarding any Medway plans. I am impatient to get the boat in the water.

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

john.pompei's picture

Hi David,

Hi David,

This great weather makes us all feel that summer is just around the corner, but remember the Beast from the East last year !!

I'll certainly keep everyone informed re the Medway, like you I can't wait 'cos I have a new main being made and hopefully I will be working on the steering also, but I'm still suffering from a dodgy back at the moment which has stopped me doing any work this week.

Look forward to meeting up soon,

Regards,

John

Hi Quentin

Hi Quentin

Miriam and I (in Mist, M26) would like to join you for the Windermeer trip. I wonder how many Macs Windermere can cope with?

Regards Jonathan Knight

quentin.sands's picture

Excellent Jonathan and Miriam

Excellent Jonathan and Miriam....look forward to meeting you in the Summer. Details on this thread very soon.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hello Quentin and everyone,

Hello Quentin and everyone,

Looking forward to the Windermere event, 'Sonny' will be there, crewed by me and my brother Peter.

regards, John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

quentin.sands's picture

Glad you and Pete are up for

Glad you and Pete are up for it John. Watch this space, details will follow very soon.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

I had a great time on

I had a great time on Windermere being taught how to sail my Mac! Search YouTube “Windermere May 2017”

quentin.sands's picture

Nice video John.....looks

Nice video John.....looks like you had the lake to yourself. Hope you can join us in July.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

Big Mac 2019 – Windermere 

Big Mac 2019 – Windermere

Introduction

Windermere has a lot to offer experienced and novice sailors. Since the introduction of the 10mph speed limit, it has become a peaceful lake that is rarely congested, even in the summer. It is 11 miles from top to bottom and a mile across at its widest point. It is surrounded by hills and valleys that create interesting conditions and sailors must be alert to changes in wind-speed and wind direction. The lake has many mooring-up and anchoring areas to enjoy the stunning scenery and to partake of the many cafes, hotels and other attractions that are on the water’s edge. It is child friendly, dog friendly and MacGregor friendly – there are few areas of the Lake that our boats will not take us. Windermere is surrounded by many attractions and some superb walking country. I have walked much of it and will be happy to lead some walks and excursions, as part of the Big Mac experience.

Although we have suggested a week for the event, there are some of you who will wish to stay longer and some that might only wish to come for a few days. We intend to have a ‘dinner’ on the Saturday night to which all members will be welcome to attend, whether they are attending the event or not. There might be some members out there who wish to come and just ‘hang out’ or enjoy some sailing experience without having to trail their boats – do! There are various accommodation options around Windermere and visitors will be welcome to crew on any of the boats that are part of the event. An MOA event is essentially an informal gathering of people who own the same type of boats - there will be an itinerary of sorts but everyone is free to do their own thing, when they want, or to join in, when they want.

Mooring options

The plan is that we arrive on Wednesday 24th July and depart on Wednesday 31st. There are various mooring options based around Windermere Marina Village and Ferry Nab. Dan Fairweather from WMV runs the moorings and has reserved a row of 7 pontoons with water, electricity and tv connection and reckons he will be able to accommodate a few more more boats on other, random, berths in the marina. There is a slight catch. Building work is going on right behind the reserved pontoons between the hours of 8 to 530, Monday to Friday, and could be intrusive. I have just returned from 2 nights in the marina and have taken some pics that I will post. My view is that by July a lot of the heavy work will be over but I am no expert. Dan is offering us a ‘special price’ of £30 per night, including launching and recovery by marina staff, trailer storage and parking for the week. The moorings are sunny, SW facing and close to an excellent and well-run bar that does meals, with a restaurant option above. Very convivial.

Https://www.windermeremarinavillage.co.uk/

If more boats come to the event, Ferry Nab Marina (01539 442753) also has availability and is less than five minutes' walk from WMV. The facilities are not quite so luxurious, but it is an easy going and well organised council marina with an excellent slipway and good parking for car and trailer. It is less sheltered than WMV but the views are better! Ferry Nab marina might work out slightly more expensive than WMV.

If both marinas become fully booked, there are swinging visitor moorings not far from Ferry Nab which, for half the price, offer a more back-to-nature experience which, for some, might be preferable to the congestion of the marinas. The swinging moorings belong to the South Lakeland council and are booked in the same way as the Ferry Nab marina berths. The visitor moorings at Parsons Wyke/Ferry Nab and behind Belle Isle are the closest to the marinas. See the following link for more information.

https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/leisure-culture-and-events/windermere-lake/lake-wardens/

Both marinas require you to have at least 3rd party insurance and will ask to see evidence of it.

Registration

You will also need to register your boat for your time on Windermere, however long you intend to stay.

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere/thingstodowindermere/windermerereg

Registration costs £20 plus the cost of numbers (£10) and you will need display boards. This can be done by post or on line before you come or, when you arrive at the lake, at the Warden’s Office, Ferry Nab. You will need photo I.D. plus a utility bill. You might bring your own display boards (one either side of the hull) to stick your numbers on. Or make your own – see link below

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf file/0004/779836/Windermere-Registration-numbers.pdf

How to book

As ever, the sooner you book the more likely you are to get a mooring of your choice.

If WMV is your preferenc, you need to download the pdf application form from the WMV website, or from this post, and e-mail it or post it to WMV who will then send you a payment request.

If Ferry Nab marina is your choice, you can visit the website and download forms to complete and send – or just give them a call and they might hold a place for you until they receive completed forms. They haven’t been able to offer us any discount, but they are aware that we are having an event and that we might wish to use their facilities. They can be a bit gruff and might pretend to know nothing about the event but are nice guys underneath and will help us out during the week, if we need it.

Finally

It would be good to get a bit of momentum going on this event although I am pleased to see that there is already enough interest to suggest there will be an eclectic and jolly gathering of MacGregor folk on the lake in July.

Please use this thread to ask questions and communicate ideas but we recommend you do not give numbers or addresses – use the private message facility instead.

Once you have a confirmed booking it will be helpful if you can let us know on this thread where you have booked, for how long and who will be with you - if anyone - so we can plan ahead.

If you have any problems with booking or are interested in other mooring options – there are some – let me know.

Good luck with everything and looking forward to Big Mac 2019.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

david.claassen's picture

Quentin,

Quentin,

Thanks for all the wonderful work! Looks like we could almost raft up in those berths...:)

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

quentin.sands's picture

I did wonder whether we might

I did wonder whether we might squeeze three-in-a-bed if push comes to shove.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

Pics taken yesterday

Pics taken yesterday that show the 7 moorings that are reserved for us. They are good pontoons but the catch is the building work going on behind. In the first picture you can see the bar in the back ground. The last picture shows the slipway - marina staff will launch and recover your boat for you.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

A couple of pictures of Ferry

A couple of pictures of Ferry Nab. It is more extensive than it looks with good loos and showers and social area but it is very public. Dan's shack open daily for burgers etc Excellent rigging and launching facilities with helpful staff in the warden's office.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Beutifully put together

Beutifully put together Quentin. Thank you.

Jonathan (Mist 26M)

Thanks Quentin,

Thanks Quentin,

I have just had a chat with the Marina and subsequently emailed off the above application form together with my insurance so I'm committed! I decided to go for the whole week but I don't live too far away so if it pours down (I am a native of Cumbria so I know what it's like) I might sneak off back to the warmth of my house. Just joking I'm sure it will be great. Registering for Windermere was very easy.

Now all I have to do is get some practice and get this boat in the water for the second time in 18 months of ownership!

David

David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland

quentin.sands's picture

Well done David. There will

Well done David. There will be plenty of support for you on Windermere. I will send more details nearer the time. Keep your eye on this forum.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

Just had an email from Dan at

Just had an email from Dan at WMV and he says the 7 berths that are together, are now reserved for the following skippers and their crew: Rick, Mick, Keith, John R, Jonathan, David K and Roly.

If others are hoping to use WMV as a base I would advise you do so asap.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Yes, the marina berths are

Yes, the marina berths are now all booked

Dan said he could put us on a waiting list for other individual spots but he couldn't commit to availability

So we have booked Hera onto the Ferry Nab jetties 24 July to 31 July

It's only a very short walk between the 2 locations - in fact the picnic benches at the jetties might be a good place for a BBQ assuming they still allow this?

Mike

quentin.sands's picture

Great to know you are booked

Great to know you are booked in Mike. The marina also has a lakeside bbq area - we could have two bbqs.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

3 would be even better!

3 would be even better!

Happy Days!

Hi Quentin,

Hi Quentin,

Re Big Mac - Windermere.

Just a note to say that all my booking arrangements are now complete for 'Sonny' at WVM, for 7 nights 24th - 31st July. Thanks for all of your help and postings. Let's hope for some decent weather for our week!

The only issue I haven't resolved is concerning the boards upon which to stick the registration numbers. I could not find any reference to obtaining or making these boards on the link you provided? Is there a strict methodology for the design to which I must conform, or can I just use a bit of white plastic each side hung by a bit of twine?

Cheers,

John Richardson 'Sonny@ 26M

quentin.sands's picture

https://www.lakedistrict.gov

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf file/0004/779836/Winde...

Hi John, good on yer for getting sorted. You might get some help from the link above. I think improvised display boards are perfectly acceptable so long as they accommodate numbers of the right size and can be clearly seen. As you say, some stiff cardboard, sticky back plastic, twine ties and Bob's your uncle.

Mike and Bobby have now signed up so we are 9 definites so far. It would be good to hear from any new Mac owners looking to build their experience. Roly is offering his WMV berth to anyone who would prefer the security of the marina....he will move to Ferry Nab marina (3 mins walk) or onto a swinging mooring to accommodate.

Really looking forward to seeing you again John.

Q

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

david.claassen's picture

sooo...

sooo...

I will be out of the country until around the time the event is to start. I am not sure yet when we will be returning. Would it be better to book in now, knowing that I will most probably have to cancel some of the days, or just wait until I know, which may not be for another month or so?

Thanks in advance for all of your sage advice!

David

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

quentin.sands's picture

I would probably hang on

I would probably hang on until you know what you can do. I reckon you will always be able to squeeze your way in somewhere - I know several places where you could tuck in should all marina berths be taken. My sage advice would be to wait until you know exactly when you'd like to arrive and then call the lake wardens at Ferry Nab 01539442753 and book a pontoon or swinging mooring. Hope you can make it David.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hello Quentin,

Hello Quentin,

I'm not sure if you need to know but I have one more to add to my crew, making 3 in total.

Cheers,

John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

david.claassen's picture

John,

John,

You might need a bigger boat...:) At least, tow a dingy for the beer, etc...

David

David Claassen

"Logan's Run"

2006 26M

quentin.sands's picture

The more the merrier, I'd say

The more the merrier, I'd say.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi Quentin we also have had

Hi Quentin we also have had problems booking but I see from the post above the ferry now might have spaces. As far as we know we are on the waiting list for the marina

quentin.sands's picture

Hi Rod, Mike and Bobby also

Hi Rod, Mike and Bobby also missed out on the WMV and have now booked on at Ferry Nab - which is v close to WMV. If I were you, I should call Ferry Nab asap and they will give you an update on availability and what to do. It would be GREAT to see you there. All dog friendly too. Let me know if you have success - or otherwise.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Should have replied earlier -

Should have replied earlier - we are booked in - not sure of exact dates. but we will be there. Just having some work done on the trailer and engine at present.

Rod

quentin.sands's picture

That's grand Rod. I presume

That's grand Rod. I presume you are booked in at Ferry Nab. The dogs will love it.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

5 WEEKS TO GO

5 WEEKS TO GO

I believe Roly Simpson, John Richardson, Jonathan Knight, David Kirk, Keith Barton, Mick Watson, Rick Jones, Mike McNerney, Rod Wassell and myself are, along with their crews, confirmed Big Maccers. Mike and Rod are booked into Ferry Nab, the rest are in WMV.

There is plenty of room for more, whether for the full week or just for a day. We are hoping Saturday 27th will be a social day for those unable to come for the whole week, to meet up and crew and join us for a bbq in the evening.

A rough plan for the week is outlined below:

Wednesday 24th July: arrive and launch and, maybe, sail.....meet in the WMV bar 7ish

Thursday: sail north to Ambleside, Water Edge Inn for refreshments, sail back to marina, evening walk into Bowness for Chinese Banquet, which is booked for 7pm

Friday: sail south to Fellbarrow Park, refreshments at cafe or Lakeside Hotel, sail back to marina

Saturday: Visitors day, local sailing, Big Mac bbq 7pm

Sunday: Sailing and walk to watch sunset from garden of Cuckoo Brow public house

Monday: Sail plus walk, plus early evening sail to Storrs Hall Hotel for dinner, 630 for 7 - this is booked, along with overnight mooring, if required.

Tuesday: Sail plus walk plus last night gathering

Wednesday: action stations for departure

Everything will be weather dependent and everything is flexible however I hope the Thursday Chinese, the Saturday bbq and the Monday sojourn to Storrs Hall will be well supported social events.

I think tenders might be a good idea too - perhaps one between two? I will have mine.

If you wish to do some low level walking or even a high fell, bring sturdy footwear or boots.

There is a big co-op and a Booths supermarket in Bowness and Windermere; a snack bar at Ferry Nab and a bar for food and drink at WMV.

Nearer the time we will be issued with a code that will give us access to the marina from the Ferry Road, go thro gate and turn right and follow road twds slipway.

Let me know if you have any questions, either on the thread or by PM. It will be helpful to know numbers for the dinner bookings. If anyone is intending to visit for a short stay, please let us know - it will be great to see faces new and old.

Regards to all.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hello Quentin,

Hello Quentin,

Sounds like a great plan, count Sonny's crew of 3 in for all booked events.

Cheers, John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

Ditto from Hera

Ditto from Hera

Thanks Quentin

Mike and Bobbie

John Pompeii is coming with

John Pompeii is coming with me on Aranah and there may be 2 more stowaways Sunday to Wednesday.

Roly

Hi, sorry for the delay. Ann

Hi, sorry for the delay. Ann & me would like to attend all functions.

thanks

keith

Star 26M 2007

rick.jones's picture

It's all coming together! Has

It's all coming together! Has everyone got their registration numbers? I'm wondering whether to make up black boards, or just stick the numbers onto the Mac's black stripe.

Please count me & Glenis in for the meals. We will have additional family visiting at the weekend, camping a few miles south of Bowness. I think they will want to join the BBQ (could be 4 adults and 2 kids), but I assume exact numbers are not an issue for that.

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

quentin.sands's picture

Yes, coming together. Right

Yes, coming together. Right now, sitting on shore of Coniston Water - tranquil. Rick, the numbers are very adhesive and once on might be tricky to remove.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Excellent information. Miriam

Excellent information. Miriam and I would like to attend all arranged events please.

Thanks Jonathan

Hello

Hello

I will be there from 24th to 26th incl., alas without our Mac 26 or the good lady wife. I’d love to crew for anyone at a loss.

Adventures, misadventures, debauchery and disaster will all be recorded for posterity!

See you there......

Stu

Stuart McWilliam (Editor, MOA Mag)

quentin.sands's picture

Not long now......for the 8

Not long now......for the 8 boats in WMV, I received this from Dan, the Marina Manager, yesterday. Note the code. Mike knows where he is going for Ferry Nab marina, Rod - you turn right off ferry road into the public car park and follow the one way system to rigging area. I hope to be up early on Wednesday - do call me on my mobile if assistance or info needed. See you all then, I hope.

Hi Quentin

We are all ready for you with the moorings and look forward to welcoming you all.

On arrival on the Wednesday it will be best to access the marina via the Ferry Road entrance. When towing it is worth swinging in from the other side of the road to give yourself plenty of room. At the barrier you will see the key pad and we will set up codes for you all during your stay, but on Wednesday use the following (valid on Wednesday 24th only): 5484 then press Enter. Immediately turn right and carry on to the gravel parking (about 150 metres from gate) where you can rig the boats before we assist with launching. Launching is available daily between 9am and 5pm. Once launched we will park the trailers up and suggest you lock them for the duration of the stay.

Barrier codes, access keys for the shower block and our guidelines etc can be collected from reception before launching and berth numbers confirmed.

All the berths are best bow-in and shore-power connections are on the walkway so long leads are required. You can also plug in a TV coax to connect to Freeview TV.

I hope all that makes sense and let me know if you have questions at this stage.

Kind Regards

Dan Fairweather

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

Hi Quentin,

Hi Quentin,

If we get a wriggle-on on our drive up on the Tuesday, we may arrive that evening. Should I make a separate arrangement direct with the marina for that night, or is there some other area to park in?

Dan mentions that we are mooring 'bow in'. Can you be a bit more specific about that Quentin, do we need to anchor astern, or are there 'box' style piles to rope on to, astern? I just want to make sure I have all the kit I may need.

Regards, John Richardson 'Sonny' 26M

rick.jones's picture

Hi John

Hi John

I spoke to the marina about arriving Tue, which I also expect to do. He said they don't allow overnighting in the yard, but he would give me a code to get in and park the boat, then we'll sleep in the camper van in the Ferry Nab car park. I need to phone for the access code (the one given to Quentin is only valid for Wednesday).

However, if you plan to sleep in the boat then maybe you can just park the whole rig in Ferry Nab. Maybe best to phone and ask advice, they're quite helpful.

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

Hi Quentin, 

Hi Quentin,

should we go to the rigging area or through the coded gate?

We are intending to arrive late Tuesday evening or stopping somewhere on-route to arrive early Wednesday morning. What time will the code work from if we need to go though the gate?

Thanks

Keith

Star 26M 2007

quentin.sands's picture

Keith, You go through the

Keith, You go through the coded gate on left, entrance to Windermere Marina Village. Follow road to right and you will find an area for rigging. From 9am a chap called David, the groundsman, will be available to assist with launching with his land rover.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands's picture

ÌHi John, if you arrive the

ÌHi John, if you arrive the late in the day you will find plenty of parking in the public car park opposite the WMV gate....there might be a charge but you will get in. Otherwise ring the marina and they might let you do same as Rick.

I think the bow mooring is due to the fact that it gets shallower towards the side of the marina. There are wooden piles on the fixed wooden jetties - see picture of our mooring site posted earlier in the thread. Definitely not anchor mooring.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

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