Submitted by quentin.sands on
Original forum:
- On the water:Association events
After long discussions with those with local knowledge and experience, we have decided against Loch Lomond for next year's Big Mac and opted for the Firth of Clyde as the venue best equipped to safely host a group gathering of MacGregor boats.
We will launch from Largs which provides access to the cruising waters of the Firth including a range of islands, lochs, anchorages, marinas and mountains. The area provides options in all weather conditions, in relatively sheltered waters with few tidal races or dangers.
The week long event will start with two nights at Largs marina with a view to moving on to Loch Fyne for the weekend, harboured in the pretty village of Tarbert. We will then find our way back to Largs perhaps by a different route.
This is a marvellous cruising area and offers sailing that can challenge the adventurous but also provide sheltered waters for the inexperienced. The Kyles of Bute are a must on a cruise of this area and a visit to the Isle of Arran is a possibility.
The great thing about MacGregor gatherings is that they are flexible. You get the benefits of company and support if you want it but you can cut loose and do your own thing when you like. That said, at some point I will have to make a firm booking with the marinas (I have provisionally booked Largs and Tarbert for up to ten boats) so please express your interest on this thread. I will update as plans and ideas develop.
For those who wish to stay more than a week there is plenty to explore further up the Clyde, around Arran or even through the Crinan Canal.
Several members have been cruising this area this summer; I have visited four times and I have the support of Anneke Wallace, who knows the area very well, so there should be no shortage of experience and ideas to make this an enjoyable week.
https://www.yachthavens.com/largs-yacht-haven
https://www.tarbertharbour.co.uk/phone/index.html
https://sailscotland.co.uk/explore/firthofclyde/
20210910_143702 |
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
43 Comments
Quentin,
Submitted by roger.gabriel on
Quentin,
Looks very interesting. I'm sorting a crew out and would like to attend if possible.
Roger Gabriel
Pas de Chat 2
It's interesting, and
Submitted by rick.jones on
It's interesting, and somewhere I've never been. However, it's a long drive from the Isle of Wight, so I need to give it some thought.
It's actually further in road miles than Lough Derg in Ireland, or even the Netherlands!
I'll be back ...
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Great choice!
Submitted by vlad.shumeyko on
Great choice!
Please count me in.
Im dry berthing my M26M "Harmony" in "Largs Yacht Haven" - can't commend enough for excellent facilities and a plethora of destinations within an easy reach.
Looking forward to the event!
Vlad
"Harmony"
I did my day skipper out of
Submitted by chris.hawksworth on
I did my day skipper out of Largs. Was good sailing and spectacular scenery, albeit a bit wet! I'd definitely be up for coming along
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Hi Quentin
Submitted by jonathan.knight on
Hi Quentin
Beautiful calm waters, even in our misty crossing from Arran back to Inverkip. We have covered 105 nm and had half an hour of sailing breeze. So worth knowing where fuel can be obtained and groceries for that matter too. All eateries were closed two days before our arrival so no restaurants! Good take aways though, great chippy up the road from Kip Marina. Kip marina have been great.
Jonathan and Miriam
Yes, a good choice.
Submitted by david.kirk on
Yes, a good choice.
I have just yesterday brought our 26X back home after spending 2 weeks at Largs. I had originally intended to keep the boat there longer but my diary has annoyingly filled up with other events.
Slipway is good, and they can launch with their tractor if you don't have a suitable tow vehicle (small fee). They are very experienced at this.
They also have a fuel birth with diesel and unusually petrol, though I did not check their prices which may not be as competitive as nearby garages/supermarkets
We sailed through the Kyles of Bute and on to Arran. All very lovely.
David
David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
It sounds perfect. Depending
Submitted by liz.healey on
It sounds perfect. Depending on what might have happened to me by then, I might turn up hopefully without a boat!
I am looking forward to
Submitted by roly.simpson on
I am looking forward to bringing Aranah up to this event and also hope to cruise the area either before or afterwards. Thanks Quentin for taking the lead on arranging it.
Roly
Hi Roly,
Submitted by john.richardson on
Hi Roly,
If you're looking for crew for part of the time, (or all!), I'm up for this trip.
Cheers, John Richardson
Definitely on the radar for
Submitted by adrian.cox on
Definitely on the radar for us. We would need to sort our tow vehicle. As Rick says the distance is not small. Could be quite a convoy with Roly and others too? Thanks to all who have put the plan together.
Adrian Cox
Shema 26M (2008)
A convoy from the south coast
Submitted by rick.jones on
A convoy from the south coast is an interesting thought ("breaker 10-4 you got a copy on me pig pen c'mon?" for those that remember!).
I would want to make a stopover, it's too far in one day. For me with the ferry, it's 2 hours before I even get to the mainland.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Drive Patrick to uni in
Submitted by adrian.cox on
Drive Patrick to uni in Edinburgh yesterday from Kent. 460miles and 10 hours. And that was doing 70 where we could and no trailer. Would definitely need a stopover!
Adrian
I will venture out of my
Submitted by andrew.massie on
I will venture out of my comfort zone and commit my attendance. I’ll be the rookie of the flotilla. Look forward to meeting everyone.
Andy Massie
Jack Sound 26M
That's great to hear Andy.
Submitted by quentin.sands on
That's great to hear Andy. You won't be a rookie by the end of it.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
For those coming from the
Submitted by quentin.sands on
For those coming from the south coast, these services are very good. Approx 325 miles from Chichester and approx £20 for overnight stay. It would leave a 160 mile trip next morning. Set off Tuesday morning, all aboard early afternoon Wednesday.
https://www.tebayservices.com/
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Thanks for the hint Quentin,
Submitted by rick.jones on
Thanks for the hint Quentin, I think that's the place I saw an article about a while back. One of the few privately run service areas, with local farm shop etc.
Would make a pleasant as well as very convenient stop. I'm sliding towards committing to the trip!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Subject of course to you
Submitted by chris.harnan on
Subject of course to you allowing me to attend without a Mac, I would like to join this event. I hope to have my new gaffer ready by then.
Last year I drove the boat to Inverness with a friend and that worked well in a day with 2 sharing the driving. I drove back from Largs by myself and it was also OK in a day. I would try to do the trip in a day as stopping overnight without the mast up would be an issue as it is an open boat.
Given that there are normally a few problems with trailers, I think the Rubber Duck convoy idea makes sense to be able to assist anyone with a problem en route.
This will be the second Mac event from Largs. The previous one, probably around 25 years ago, was most enjoyable. I suspect that there are not many left who were on that one!!
Petrol will be one of the problems as the only place I could find last year was Portavadie.
Chris H
I'm sure you will be most
Submitted by roly.simpson on
I'm sure you will be most welcome Chris, and your advice and practical support greatly valued as it was on the recent event.
Roly
Both of us are liking the
Submitted by paul.blaydes on
Both of us are liking the idea of this and are excited - we're based near Gatwick. I've been thinking of the items I will want sorted before I attempt anything like this and thought I'd share it, to seek advice from others if I'd missed anything.
Trailer checks
Full greasing on draw bar, replace all bearings and do a full setup of the brake system. Take the time to rust proof inside the drums. Check trailer nose weight and ensure its within expected limits.
Car checks
Double check connectors, check towball area, tyres etc.
Spares
Spare trailer bearings with kit to fit, spare wheel, spare grease. Tools to adjust brakes etc.
My current thought is to ensure both tanks are full, giving me 40 miles/ 3hrs wot. Unsure on a spare 20l, any advice would be appreciated. I'm also thinking a trolly to carry a fuel tank is a good idea if town is the only fuel supply.
It's been a few years since I've done bearings, so will need to get some kit. Any links to good priced heavy duty circlip pliers, bearing puller and bearing fitters will be appreciated.
I do like the idea of the overnight stay, as it breaks up the day. I like the idea of us all from the south taking the same route, as if someone is in trouble, someone is bound to find them. Convoy might be difficult if people want to do different speeds, toilet breaks etc.
Also re brake down recovery I will need to check If it includes trailers.
Can you put Lupus on the list?
Thanks Paul, I definitely can
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Thanks Paul, I definitely can put Lupus on the list. Your trailering queries I will leave to others more mechanically minded; I have my trailer checked by my 'man what does' once a year and continue in blind faith. Your idea of having some sort of comms going between those driving from the south, sounds sensible - but safer in every way to have the best breakdown cover you can afford.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Mick and Maureen Watson and
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Mick and Maureen Watson and their 26c Iona have asked to be registered for Big Mac 22. Mick and Maureen have attended many Mac gatherings in the past and I look forward to being reacquainted next summer.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Hi All,
Submitted by patrick.saddler on
Hi All,
I'm sad to say I will not be joining you on my own boat for Big Mac 22 as I have now sold it.
Since my crew moved out of the family home, it proved very difficult to coordinate a team to move the trailer around the side of the house.
I will still be a member of the MOA for at least the next sailing season.
Good sailing to Andrew Vincent who has acquired my passion for the last 13 years. I can't wait to find out what her new name will be.
Pat Saddler
Ex GladNick 26M
Thanks for the update Pat.
Submitted by rick.jones on
Thanks for the update Pat. That's enabled me to update our records to show Andrew as the new owner of GladNick.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
On our trip to Inverkip just
Submitted by jonathan.knight on
On our trip to Inverkip just around the corner from Largs, the drivers side front wheel bearing of our Nissan failed though it got us as far as the Lorry Park at Lockerbie. I had just bought and had taken with us spare wheel bearings and the appropriate tools for the trailer but not ofcourse a truck bearing.
We are with Greenflag through the caravan club. They didn't bat an eyelid. A tow truck arrived first thing in the morning and took us the rest of the way Nissan Navara and boat. If the bearing had gone sooner I could have saved some fuel and enjoyed a longer lazy ride in the back of the tow truck.
Full marks to Greenflag.
Whilst Lorry Parks are noisy they are an easy stop off for the length of our rig and can be quite cheap with Lorry drivers subsidised fatty full English in the morning.
Jonathan
I know how you feel, Pat.
Submitted by simon.armitage on
I know how you feel, Pat. Sailing is fine, it is the rest of the stuff, prepping, launching, hitching up etc that isn't so easy without help. My crew disappeared to Australia.
Simon Armitage
Please add me to the list for
Submitted by andrew.vincent on
Please add me to the list for Big Mac 22, I am the new proud owner of Pat Saddlers Glad Nick,now re named Black Shadow.
Andrew Vincent
Black Shadow 26M
Lytham Lancashire
Well done Andrew for showing
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Well done Andrew for showing early interest. Black Shadow's presence has put the number of boats showing interest in the Clyde Big Mac well into double figures - I make it 12 so far. In the New Year we will put some flesh on the bones of the plan.
Jonathan's experience above is a useful prompt regarding breakdown cover - worth every penny of the reassurance it provides.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
David Robbens telephoned me
Submitted by quentin.sands on
David Robbens telephoned me to express a strong interest in this highland gathering. David and Cheryl used to have a Mac and now have an Imexus 27. They have lots of experience and have cruised the Firth quite recently.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Love to have a look at it.
Submitted by jonathan.knight on
Love to have a look at it. Just had a look at the details for the Imexus 28, 90 (28 knots) to 170 hp, should sell well in the States. And I worry about my use of petrol!
I'm sure you said they would be very welcome.
Jonathan
This is an early season
Submitted by quentin.sands on
This is an early season posting to help push your Big Mac planning up your 'to do' list.
I have been in touch with Largs and Tarbert Marinas and they have asked me to send a list of boat names and, if possible, crew. They will then await calls from yourselves to confirm your booking and make payment. According to my information from the forum, this is the list:
Andrew Vincent, Black Shadow;
David and Cheryl Robbens, Humbug;
Quentin and Nicola Sands, Margarita;
Anneke Wallace, Rahul;
Roly Simpson, Aranah;
Jonathan and Miriam Knight, Mist;
Michael and Maureen Watson, Iona;
Rick Jones, White Lightning;
Paul Blades, Lupus;
Chris Harnan, ?;
Andrew Massie, Jack Sound;
Roger Gabriel, Pas de Chat;
Vladimir Shumeyko, Harmony;
Chris Hawksworth, Getaway;
Adrian and Trish Cox, Shema;
Offering to crew: John Richardson and Liz Healey
Obviously, there is no rush but it would be useful to know if anyone has made the decision not to attend or if there are any other members who would like to attend. No need to post if you are on the list and still planning to attend, unless you wish to update your crew list.
We plan to stay at Largs for the first 2 nights Wed 26th, Thu 27th July and return to Largs on either Tue 2nd Aug or Wednesday 3rd when most will recover and depart. Some might do things differently and that is no problem. 'Special' Regatta rates at Largs are £25 per night and £30 to cover both self-launch and recovery. The slip is available 2 hours either side of high water and high water is at 1230 on the Wednesday we arrive. So, aim to be at Largs by midday latest on Wed 27th or perhaps arrive later in the day on Tuesday 26th and sleep in your boat on the hard, ready for launching from 1030.
On Wednesday 2nd August, when we plan to leave, high water Largs isn't until 1647 so it is possible that some might prefer to delay returning to Largs until late morning or early afternoon, which would allow another night out on the firth - perhaps at Millport or Port Bannatyne on the night of Tuesday 2nd. Obviously, this all means a late in the day departure on the Wednesday but this might suit some of you who are breaking your journey.
I have also booked berths at Tarbert Marina for the Saturday and Sunday nights. £3 per metre with a 10% discount. Again, I will send the marina a list ahead of you calling the marina and booking.
I have deliberately not booked anything for Friday and Monday to provide flexibility for alternative arrangements - although, as you know, everything is flexible.
For now, see if you can make sense of my plans, update me on yours if necessary and in about two weeks time I will send more up to date lists to Largs and Tarbert and you can start making your calls with plastic in hand.
Also, I am sure that for those of you unable to commit at this stage it will never be too late to join in, but early indications are helpful.
All the best.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
I have sent Largs and Tarbert
Submitted by quentin.sands on
I have sent Largs and Tarbert a provisional list of members for the Clyde rally in July/Aug and received the responses below. Please refer to my previous posting and make plans accordingly.
Message from Largs: Good morning Quentin
Thank you for the list, that is a good response.
To ease admin on the day please ask all entrants to email us ASAP with their full details. We ask that our charges are paid in advance to avoid checking in on the day of arrival. Please ask all owners to email:
largs@yachthavens.com
with name, address, mobile, email address, boat name and size and what they require from us (slip/berth etc).
For your information I am standing down at the end of this month and moving in to a Group wide position from 1 April. Dave Hewitt is our new manager (dave@largsyachthaven.com) and together with the team will look after you when you are here.
Wishing you a successful rally.
Message from Tarbert:
Hi Quentin
Thanks for e-mail. I can now confirm that the visitor rate from 1st April 2022 will be £3.00 per metre for an overnight stay with 10% discount for your party. If you ask your members to ring the Harbour and book stating they are with the MacGregor Party. Then they can call at reception and pay when they arrive.
Regards, Pauline info@tarbertharbour.co.uk 01880820344
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Hi,
Submitted by chris.hawksworth on
Hi,
I have just emailed Largs to confirm our requirements.
We (3 of us) will be travelling up a few days earlier on Sunday 24th July, staying over in B&B Sunday night and planning to launch Monday 25th morning.
I've asked for a berth for the four nights Monday 25th to Thursday 28th.
Just need to ring Tarbert to book that now
Regards
Chris
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway
Hi
Submitted by mark.newall on
Hi
I hopefully will manage.
thanks
Mark Newall
26x
Hi Chris and Mark, great news
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Hi Chris and Mark, great news that you are taking action. I have booked first two nights (wed and thur) but have left return night open.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
UPDATE 29/06
Submitted by quentin.sands on
UPDATE 29/06
Big Mac 22, 27th July to 3rd August, Largs
Exactly 4 weeks to the launch of Big Mac 22. Calling all members! It's not too late to join the Mac muster. Suitable for novice skippers to learn alongside more experienced Maccers.
Confirmed attendees:
Quentin and Nicola Sands, Margarita, 19, travelling from Yorkshire, arriving Largs Tuesday 24th, launching Wednesday morning.
Anneke Wallace, Rahui, X, already Largs based. Probable crew, Liz Healey.
Roly and Ros Simpson, Aranah, M, travelling from Southampton. After the Big Mac week, heading thro' the Crinan Canal for west coast sailing.
Jonathan and Miriam Knight, Mist, M, travelling from S. Wales, and joining forces with Roly and Ros, as above.
Chris Hawksworth, Getaway, D, is coming from Bedford with crew Chris and Becky Hollis. They are launching Monday 24th and departing Tuesday 2nd August.
Michael and Maureen Watson, Iona, C, is coming from Derbyshire. Will probably arrive Wednesday morning.
Andrew and Tracey Vincent, Black Shadow, M, Lytham, Lancs, arriving Monday 25th.
David and Cheryl Robbens, Humbug, Imexus 27, coming from Cumbria.
Chris Harnan, Cornish Shrimper, is coming from Hastings, subject to maintenance on new boat; has flexible plans.
Vladimir Shumeyko, Harmony, M, is Largs based and will join for a day or two depending on commitments.
Mark Newall is hoping to dust down Whimbrel, an X, and join the group.
Andrew Massie, Jack Sound, M, expressed an interest but has yet to confirm:
All members are welcome, it is not too late to join in if you are not on this list. Please call Largs Marina to confirm berths for the Wednesday and Thursday and let us know on this forum.
Launching:
Launching on Largs slipway is HW +/- 2
HW times Greenock (from marina website)
July
Mon 25 1114
Tue 26 1204
Wed 27 1249
Thu 28 1331
Aug
Tue 02 1632
Wed 03 1707
Thu 04 1745
Self launching is fairly straightforward but I have checked with the marina and the tractor will be available to launch boats although I imagine there will be a charge. Can be arranged on the day.
Travel plans:
It makes sense to be at the marina by midday, on Wednesday 26th to launch that day. Alternatively, arrive Largs Tuesday evening and sleep on the hard in large parking area close to slipway. There is someone on duty all night, 24 hour access.
If travelling from the south you might consider a 2 day journey with an overnight stay en route. As an illustration, if you leave Southampton on Tuesday it is 307 miles to Tebay services on the M6. Tebay is a farm shop type services, pleasant and welcoming where you can stay overnight. Allow 3 hours or more from Tebay to Largs, a further 160 plus miles.
Southwaite services is the next services North from Tebay, not as pleasant as Tebay - in my opinion. Both services charge approx £25 for overnight parking.
If you use Google maps to find your route it might take you cross country from jct 29 on the M8 near Glasgow onto the A737 and A760 into Largs. This is shorter but quite restricted in places and involves a hair pin descent into Largs. Easier driving and fewer gradients can be enjoyed if you stay on the M8 onto the A8, A78 - a bit longer but easier, in my opinion.
There are lots of shops, petrol stations and supermarkets in Largs and the marina restaurant and other facilities are very good.
Wednesday 27th dinner:
I have made a provisional booking for 20 at 7pm in Scott's bar restaurant in the marina and suggest a skippers meeting at 6pm to discuss plans for Thursday. If you do not wish to dine in the restaurant, please let me know as they need specific numbers and deposit payment fairly soon. Also, looking for a group booking in Tarbert for the Saturday or Sunday night.
Communication:
Please continue to use this forum to ask questions and confirm plans or make suggestions. Do not leave personal details, phone numbers on the forum. If you wish to contact myself or other members you can login to the members area and use the private messaging facility or you can find phone numbers and text/call direct. I will also create a WhatsApp group nearer the time; this has proven to be an easy and safe way for the group to communicate.
I will update over the coming four weeks.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Please to add Andrew and
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Pleased to add Andrew and Tracey Vincent to the confirmed list. They will be taking Black Shadow (once Gladnick) up to Largs from Lytham, Lancashire, arriving Monday 25th July. Good stuff.
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
UPDATE 30/06
Submitted by quentin.sands on
UPDATE 30/06
Dining together. I have made bookings for us to eat together on two of the nights. The first is at Scott's in Largs Marina https://www.scotts-largs.co.uk/ on the evening of Wednesday 27th at 7 and the second is in the Anchorage Bistro https://anchoragetarbert.co.uk/ in Tarbert on Sunday 31st at 6. On other nights we will probably cater for ourselves or break out in smaller groups unless other opportunities arise for us to eat together. I will assume you are OK with the idea of two nights dining together unless you let me know otherwise.
Itinerary: the plan has always been to have the first two nights, Wednesday and Thursday, in Largs and Saturday and Sunday in Tarbert. As a security blanket I have reserved 10 berths at Port Banatyne for the Friday night. PB is en route to Tarbert. Also, it just happens to be the opening night of Bute Festival which looks like it could be a lot of fun. www.butefest.co.uk
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Brilliant as usual Quentin.
Submitted by jonathan.knight on
Brilliant as usual Quentin.
Jpnathan
That sounds great Quentin.
Submitted by roly.simpson on
That sounds great Quentin. Good work.
It's great to see how many
Submitted by patrick.saddler on
It's great to see how many Macs will be gathered in Largs. I hope to pop through in the afternoon on Wednesday 27th to see you all.
Sadly family commitments prevent me from volunteering as 'competent crew'.
Pat Saddler
formerly GladNick
This is the latest list of
Submitted by quentin.sands on
This is the latest list of those attending The Big Mac. We have created a WhatsApp group and that will now be our main means of communication. If there are any members still thinking of joining us or dropping in at any point, please let me know if you wish to be added to the WhatsApp group.
Arriving Largs Sunday 24th July:
Chris Hawksworth and Chris Hollis, Getaway
Miriam and Jonathan Knight, Mist
Arriving Monday:
Roly and Ros Simpson, Aranah
Andrew and Tracey Vincent, Black Shadow
Arriving Monday or Tuesday:
Anneke Wallace, Rahui and Liz Healey
Arriving Tuesday:
Quentin and Nicola Sands, Margarita
Arriving Wednesday:
Chris Harnan, Alyzon
David Robbens and Justin, Humbug
Mick and Maureen Watson, Iona
Vlad Shumeyko, Harmony, is Largs based and we hope will attend the meal on Wednesday with his son Myke. Vlad cannot join us when we leave Largs but we hope Myke will come along with Harmony.
Mark Newall, Whimbrel, hopes to join us in Tarbert on Sunday 31st
Michael Buxton, (C owner), is hoping to join us at some point and might be available to crew.
Itinerary subject to weather etc
Wed, Thu Largs
Fri, Port Banatyne, Bute
Sat, Sun, Tarbert
Mon, Tue, various routes back to Largs, possibly via Arran
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
Big Mac 22 has concluded for
Submitted by quentin.sands on
Big Mac 22 has concluded for 8 of the 10 boats involved; two, Mist and Aranah, are still at sea, heading up the west coast of Scotland having made passage through the Crinan Canal.
The main event was a successful week of sailing and companionship, conditions for both were good. A full report will appear in the Autumn Newsletter and I will make a posting of pictures in the events gallery, soon.
IMG-20220731-WA0009_0
Quentin Sands (Editor)
1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita
A lovely bunch of people
Submitted by liz.healey on
A lovely bunch of people