Coniston Rally

 

Photo of Kathleen by Julian Merson  - http://daisyii.blogspot.com/

SeaFair Haven

 

SeaFair Haven is a week long, biannual maritime festival for traditional vessels and seafarers, held in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

 

http://www.seafairhaven.org.uk/

 

There is one main host port, at Lawreeny, where there is a yacht station with a good slipway and the Lawreeny Arms pub, which is the centre of the activities. On most days there is an organised sail and social activities, which are held at the pub with live music on each evening.

 

http://www.lawrennyyachtstation.co.uk/index.php

 

 

The pontoon at the Lawreeny Arms dries at low tide for much of its length and although many of the day sailors kept their boats next to it, most of those sleeping aboard choose to take a mooring. A temporary campsite is set up for the week, which is 10 minutes walk from the pub. There was a considerable range of boats taking place, from small home built dinghies, through production boats such as Swallow & Drascombe and up to larger traditional sailing vessels, as well as a number of historical lifeboats.

 

http://lifeboatenthusiasts.com/

 

One of the highlights of the week, was a trip at high tide to Pembroke Castle, where the tidal gate was opened so the fleet could entre the pool that is next the castle.

 

Using the tide it is possible to sail down (and back) to St. Ann's Head and Dale, which are at the entrance to Milford Haven.

 

Carew Tidal Mill

 

Early morning return from Haverfordwest, which can be reached on a spring high tide.

 

An evening trip to Cresswell Quay but this time on an Atlantic Beach Boat, designed and built by its owner. It could be rowed using four oars or sailed by using a mizzen and dipping lugsail.

 

The week is very social and the sailing is amongst some wonderful varied scenery. There is plenty of opportunity to sail independently, as well as exchanging boats and sharing crew. The week ended with a parade of sail past Hobbs Point, which faces Neyland and is next to the main road bridge over the Daugleddau.

Outboard mods

Many outboards have the gear control (forward/reverse) on the side, which is awkward to control and at crucial times you can find yourself facing backwards with the boat going forwards. Current designs feature a more conveniently placed control. Recently a friend pointed out that there are two fixing holes, which are used when remote controls are fitted. He also pointed out that other people had made their own control/extension to the gear lever.

http://www.drascombe-association.org.uk/DH/Drascombe%20projects/Engine.htm

 

The solution here is quite simple, so should prove reliable - but the real test will come when its used on the water. It's made from a piece of 6mm dia. stainless steel, which has been bent to 90 degrees at one end and threaded M6. The guide/support is made from a piece of bent 3mm thick HIPs, which is attached by two 6mm machine screws. Note : The lower M/S does need to be cut accurately to length.

Heading South to Jura and Gigha

 

With a continuing settled forecast two boats headed south, initially to the MacCormaig Isles, before heading over to Craighouse on Jura and from there onto Gigha, before heading back to Craobh via another night at the MacCormaig's. 

West Coast Cruise

 

The weather was quite exceptional for the whole week and the "wet gear" was never needed. There was the usual visits to Puilladobhrain and Ardinamir but with such a settled forecast we also went out to the Garvellachs and spent a night in "Back O' the Pool" at Cullipool. After this there was a visit to Ardfern before returning to Craobh.