The Serpent Yacht Club

 

SYC NEWSLETTER August 2024

Message from the Commodore Tom Hutchinson

Ormidale Barbecue The 2024 Ormidale BBQ took place on Saturday the 3rd of August. Even the most optimistic would not have anticipated the rain stopping, the wind dropping and the sun coming out as the BBQ was being prepared on the beach. That however is exactly what happened.

Seven members were in attendance with a further four locals joining the group for a most splendid evening of food, wine and good company. Thanks to Don and Marje Gillies for once again hosting the Commodore on Black Pepper, and a special thanks to our Master Chef Don for cooking the food on the BBQ. It would be remiss of me not to also mention Caroline, Norena and Marje who organised the food and also to acknowledge our Secretary Graham for his amazing ability to rescue our camp fire which, in my hands had been smouldering without a sign of a flame for a considerable time. 

 

Commodore Tom starting the fire

 

On a personal note, this was the first time I have been able to wear sailing boots following my injury. The bad news was that the large boots I had borrowed leaked and after a prolonged period standing on the beach, I was unable to remove the boot due to my ankle swelling. Many thanks to Graham and Don for hauling the offending item off of my foot.

Once again it was a successful and enjoyable event. The poor forecast of strong winds and rain (apparently the theme for this summer) had daunted others from joining us.

(above) Key BBQ Organisers (below) Chef Don juggles two barbies

Prior to the BBQ, Caroline and I with Norena crewing were lucky enough to enjoy a brief weather window when we sailed to Kerrera for the weekend and caught the race start for the final leg of the Clipper Round the World Race in Oban. The view from Kerrera Marina of the Parade of Sail was exceptional and we thoroughly enjoyed the view and commentary from the race organisers via the handheld radio. The turnout on shore and on the water was good with the Marina at Kerrera emptying as boats with dress flags joined the end of the parade. Pipers could be heard from the shore and then aboard the Clippers themselves. After a brief stop for lunch, we climbed to the monument and viewed the start of the race from outside Dunstaffnage Marina until the boats disappeared sailing down the south end of Mull heading for the finish line in Portsmouth. Tom 

 

Message from the Secretary Graham Gillies

Autumn Muster The next Serpent event will be our Autumn Muster on Saturday 14th September. There will be a race round the Cumbraes with a start and finish line off Largs Marina (starting at 11am). It is expected that most participants will be dining at the Scotts restaurant at the marina in the evening. Those wishing to race, please complete the race entry form (also attached to this email). Participants (racing or cruising) please arrange your own berth at Largs Marina and book your own tables at Scotts which can be done online at https://www.scotts-largs.co.uk (suggested time of booking between 7 and 8 pm).

If you are not racing, there is no need to complete a form on this occasion but please let the secretary know you are joining us gwagillies@gmail.com

Closing Supper We are planning a closing supper in October (date to be decided). The event will be a tour of Glasgow Central Station at 3pm. These tours are very popular and more information can be found at glasgowcentraltours.co.uk

The Central Station tour takes around 90 minutes, it costs £15 and numbers are limited to 18 folk per tour. This will be followed by a drink locally and a meal at ‘Bombay Blues’ across the road at 41 Hope St. It offers an excellent curry buffet for £17.99 (and also has an à la carte menu). You can join us for all or part of this event.

We are unable to confirm the date of the event until the timetable for October is posted in early September, so look out for another email soon.

Diary of Events for 2024

Autumn Muster – Largs – Saturday 14th September – There will be a race starting and finishing at Largs. Most participants will be dining at Scott’s restaurant in the evening.

Central Station Visit and Supper at the ‘Bombay Blues’ October date to be decided.  

Annual Dinner Saturday 7th December at the Glasgow Art Club

A rare settled sunset this May      GG