SYC NEWSLETTER July 2026

Message from the Secretary Graham Gillies

I hope you made the most of the unseasonably warm weather in July despite the light winds. It looks like we are receiving some damper weather this week as I listen to the heavy rain on the boat in Tarbert.

The duff weather put paid to any thoughts of a cruise in company prior to the Craobh muster and I, for one, took the Crinan Canal west for the summer cruise. As you probably know, the canal is now fully staffed with assistance at each lock so it is more convenient and less energetic than it once was. It certainly helps to keep mud and grit off the boat. In the interests of efficiency and conserving of water, it is also a more managed/ controlling experience and any ideas of getting through in a day are now fond memories. However, it’s not a race and I enjoyed the more leisurely pace.

The blustery weather also put paid to the round Shuna race. The Craobh Muster itself took the form of a group dinner at the recently reopened Lord of the Isles (LOTI). The muster saw five Serpent boats in attendance; Tulla Mhor, Adastra, Exody, Aquaholic and Silverjack. These crews were further joined by friends of the club who were berthed at Craobh and other members who drove there including Commodore Catherine, and Stewart Toy, whose recent purchase, ‘Charlie Girl’, a Moody 38s was, unfortunately, not yet ready for launching. It was generally agreed that the food at the LOTI was good and the evening went well.

The following day, the same five club boats made it to Loch Spelve where they were joined by Charles and Anne on Lollypop for our planned Mussel fest at the Inverlussa Mussel Farm. The Inverlussa staff were very accommodating as usual and were happy to let us use their facilities for preparing and cooking the mussels. Everyone mucked in with preparations and helped make the occasion a successful event once more. The midgies were kind enough to largely keep away at least until we had cleaned up, at which point they descended and we all promptly cleared off. It was a good night.

Most of the party sailed to Lochaline the following day for a club barbecue utilising the facilities there which are made available for visiting boats at the marina. Some Serpent boats subsequently met up at Tobermory then Kingairloch where they enjoyed an excellent meal at the Boathouse Restaurant. All in all, the muster and club cruise in company was a fun and sociable experience and bodes well for reprising a west coast cruise next year. Thanks go to Tom and Caroline Hutchinson among others for their considerable work in making the muster and cruise the success that it was.

Barbecue at Ormidale Please note that our next Serpent event is the Barbecue at Ormidale on Loch Riddon. It is not long away on Saturday 8^th August. This informal late afternoon/ early evening event is largely down to individual crews to bring your own food, barbecue, and refreshments. It’s a sociable and relaxed occasion and requires no booking, however it would be helpful to let me know if you intend to be there. Text 07876 505307.