SYC NEWSLETTER July 2025
Message from the Secretary Graham Gillies
I hope you have been enjoying some of this unseasonably warm weather afloat and dodging some of the more impressive downpours. Our June cruise in company was attended by 6 Serpent boats at different stages. Four teams made it to Ballycastle this year at the third time of asking and it was well worthwhile as you will discover in Tom Hutchinson’s account of the trip below.
Our next club event is the Ormidale Summer Barbecue at Loch Riddon on Saturday 2nd August. This is a sociable and informal event often attended by car as well as by boat. I think this may be our seventh time holding the barbecue there. Please bring your own barbecue, food and beverages. There is no set time although folk usually begin to gather and set up later in the afternoon. There is no charge or booking but please let me know if you intend to come by email gwagillies@gmail.com or text 07876505307. I look forward to seeing you there.
Report on the 2025 Cruise in Company and Craobh Muster by Tom Hutchinson
The Serpent Yacht Club cruise in company was conceived to enable members based on the Clyde, on the West Coast and Ireland to meet up and sail together to Craobh Haven for the annual BBQ and Loch Spelve mussel fest.
Following two years of poor weather, the event finally took place with a total of six yachts and two Irish based members joining at various points along the route.
On Friday 6th of June Adastra and Aquaholic sailed from Craobh to Gigha where they were joined on the Saturday by Ataraxia and Exody for a splendid meal in the Boathouse.
Meet up at the Boathouse Gigha Tom Hutchinson
On the Sunday, Adastra, Aquaholic and Exody cast off heading into a choppy south easterly to Rathin Island where we enjoyed a well-deserved meal in the Manor Hotel. Due to time constraints, Ataraxia headed back to Craobh from Gigha.
On Monday 9th the fleet sailed the short distance to Ballycastle where we received a warm reception from the same Harbour master we had checked in with the previous day at Rathin. We were joined in the evening by Silverjack who had sailed from the Clyde.
Ballycastle did not disappoint, and in the evening the crews shared a pot luck meal on Exody. The second day was sunny & bright and various crews explored Ballycastle while some of Silverjack’s crew took the ferry to visit the bird sanctuary on Rathlin.
That evening, the group climbed the steep brae leading to splendid Lookout Restaurant where we were joined by Irish Members David and Essie Brice. The 12 of us enjoyed an excellent dinner with the backdrop of a spectacular view.
A look in at the Lookout
Ballycastle Marina is near the town centre & is well sheltered.
The next day, the fleet set sail towards Port Ellen in a forecasted force 3/5 from the south east, which quickly increased to a force six with some impressive waves quickly building in the North Channel. All arrived safely after a fast and bracing sail. The next day Exody headed to Craobh via the west coast of Jura while Adastra, Aquaholic and Silverjack opted to shelter in Port Ellen for a second night.
On Friday the 13th Adastra, Aquaholic and Silverjack sailed in a dying breeze to Loch Na Cille where we anchored in very calm conditions. After a brief walk ashore the next day we caught the flood tide in the Sound of Jura to sail in company to Craobh where we encountered heavy rain and were reunited with the Exody crew on board Tulla Mhor for refreshments and nibbles.
On Sunday 15th, one day later than originally planned, we held the Round Shuna Race in a moderate breeze from the south. It was a fairly quick race if somewhat dreich at times. The results on corrected time for the four boats that entered were close. They would have been closer still but for a minor navigation error by Exody which cost her time. Congratulations to Tulla Mhor.
1st Tulla Mhor 69m 13s
2nd Adastra 70m 3s
3rd Silverjack 70m 57s
4th Exody 74m 38s
Adastra proved to be a strong contender in her first race. Norena was helming with Tom crewing. (see photo)
The race was followed by the
traditional barbecue in the
boatshed at Craobh,
where we were joined by our
commodore Catherine, and
Stewart Toy. The food was
excellent and the entire party
were on their feet for the highland
dancing. Many thanks
especially to Caroline & Tom
Hutchinson and the Toys for all
their work in making
the muster a success.
Only Aquaholic and Silverjack made it for the last part of the planned cruise in company to Loch Spelve where both crews shared mussels aboard Aquaholic. One pot was of moules marinière and the other of spicy Thai mussels, each washed down with suitably chilled wine.
The following evening Tulla Mhor and Silverjack were to meet once again in Loch Drambue by which time the sun had returned and they enjoyed supper together in tea- shirts and shorts in Silverjack’s cockpit.
Diary of Events for 2025
Ormidale Summer Barbecue – Saturday 2nd August This popular informal party will take place once more in the evening at Ormidale, Loch Riddon. Bring your own Barby & Bottle.
Autumn Muster – Rothesay – Saturday 13th September There will be a Race as usual before meeting up at the inner marina berths in Rothesay Harbour. Following the customary socialising on board, dinner ashore in the evening will be at the Glenburn Hotel.
Annual Dinner and Prize-giving Saturday 6th December 2025 Glasgow Art Club.
Sunset at Lochranza July 2025 G Gillies
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