Hovercraft Cruising Club UK

Open Forums => General => Topic started by: John Robertson on Oct 27, 2016, 10:03 pm

Title: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Oct 27, 2016, 10:03 pm
It could be like THIS (https://hoverclub.org.uk/index.php/topic,5607.80.html) again :)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Feb 22, 2017, 8:10 pm
It'd be nice to get a weather window to be able to do a trip like this (map is fully interactive - you can drag. zoom, etc. full size map is HERE (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EFroHpThTths8bKKlGR57xW2f3s&usp=sharing)):

3 day trip with 2 nights wild camping.  I've added some basic interest points to visit - there are plenty more available in this area!
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on Feb 22, 2017, 9:58 pm
Looks like a classic run  :D we did manage the Loch Leven run a couple of years back so it could happen.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Philip on Feb 22, 2017, 10:43 pm
Where is the campsite/camper base for this event?
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on Feb 22, 2017, 10:53 pm
Where is the campsite/camper base for this event?
Taynuilt
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Feb 22, 2017, 11:01 pm
The main event is based at the Argyll Caravan Park (details in HERE) (https://hoverclub.org.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2698.0;attach=1006)

The camping trip is optional (in fact, it isn't recommended for inexperienced operators (or craft) as there are a couple of open westerly exposed bits that, unless we get VERY lucky, could be quite rough!).  Recovery would be tricky/impossible in most of it (fuel might also an issue as you'd need to be self-sufficient (with safety margin) for the entire duration as the only filling station is in Oban - and is a taxi ride from the shore!).
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Feb 23, 2017, 11:51 am
This is one of the sights on this side trip - it's called the "Bridge over the Atlantic (http://secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/BridgeOverTheAtlantic)" which, whilst technically correct (it connects island of Seil to the mainland), is maybe a bit of a stretch!  Hopefully the channel will be clear/wide enough to allow us passage at low tide

Image is interactive (zoome scan, etc.):
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Warby on Feb 23, 2017, 12:49 pm
JR, Looks like a fantastic trip, I stopped here last year, photos attached!
Photo 110 looking N from Bridge and 112 S
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Warby on Feb 23, 2017, 1:05 pm
The Google Map looks out of date as Petrol Pump  appears to have been removed and a tree replaces it!!
The 360 view of car park (Image taken 2011) shows pump BUT a view from bridge (2015)  no pump!!!
Photo here of slip at south end of Seil used by Cuan ferry
Another link from top of Bridge at low water (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Clach+Na+Sula/@56.317743,-5.5829155,3a,86.9y,46.89h,91.19t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0vVuGhV5G7KTMHGfqisyJg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x91b9f6d62e38e974!8m2!3d56.3177208!4d-5.5828518?hl=en)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John mcgonigal on Feb 23, 2017, 2:14 pm
There is a small campsite at Cullipool near to the ferry for Luing in the isle of siel. It has hard standing and a grass area for tents, new toilet and shower facilities. It works on an honesty box system. We found it by chance. It is not advertised and is the only campsite on Siel
 Island. I'm not sure about landing sites though.  Wild camping is allowed on Luing but again I'm not sure about landing sites.
I hope this is of help if you are planning to visit the bridge over the Atlantic. No petrol station.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John mcgonigal on Feb 23, 2017, 2:56 pm
Sorry campsite is at Cuan ferry not cullipool
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on Feb 23, 2017, 4:29 pm
 
     Hi  I'm just thinking on your planes   going on the Scotland cruising  for two weeks or one week if one week what  week please 
         as I'm going for one week .                 
                                                                  Tom
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Feb 23, 2017, 6:29 pm
thanks John - I'll need to check out the hover-parking first!

Tom - it's not a "plan" - more like an idea at the moment.  It'll be totally weather dependent and parking at the launch site is quite limited (the pier at the end of the road usually has space for two or three campers - provided no-one else is using it as it's a very nice location).
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: penfold on Feb 24, 2017, 4:20 am
It might be possible to arrange the supply of petrol at Easdale; a sightseeing boat trip company runs RHIBs from there and they have (or at least had) a petrol bowser at the pier on Seil Island.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on Feb 24, 2017, 11:10 am
                              Ok thanks John.    8)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:27 pm
Stately and magnificent.
So is johns Otter!
Taken on Loch Fyne, May/June 2016
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:41 pm
This was the famous evening of hysteria, where Kims sparky powers can be seen flashing out of his hands, and Steve can be seen indicating he has seen TWO!
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:44 pm
The next morning shows Kim is no stranger to elegance. The midges just CAME then went as quickly. It helped being SO dry. Heres hoping for more of the same this year.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:46 pm
JR needed somewhere for the tea bags, and I guess KingFisher was near by🙄
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:48 pm
More pretty stuff ;)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:56 pm
Dave Munday at the ferry inn Loch Fyne
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Mar 02, 2017, 6:58 pm
Dave and Donna Munday Getting close and "personal"!
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Apr 25, 2017, 11:45 am
Only four weeks to go  :)

Just a little reminder that anyone staying for the second week (to the 10th June) may need a postal vote for the forthcoming general election on the 8th.  Form is HERE (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on Apr 25, 2017, 5:26 pm
Only four weeks to go  :)

Just a little reminder that anyone staying for the second week (to the 10th June) may need a postal vote for the forthcoming general election on the 8th.  Form is HERE (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote)
               
                                                         Good thinking John.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: edwadee on Apr 25, 2017, 7:34 pm
don't forget your passport in case the SNP get in and you end up
in a different country !!
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on May 03, 2017, 7:34 pm
CANT WAIT GUYS! 8)
Registered for postal vote- thanks for that John.
Arrrgghh didna thunk!
Its coming on John EH? ;)
ALL hours working on Otter "SPARKLE" are finally coming good and I really hope to test her out on Loch Fyne in a few weeks, when various libations will be sampled.
I did 12.5 hours work on Monday! Now THATs hard work.
As I say--- Cant wait. :D
The drone will be employed to show off My new crafts WHITE finish.
Ooooooer shes smart.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Mike Bingham on May 23, 2017, 10:26 am
ballot received, voted and posted !  ready to leave Sunday as soon as work allows
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on May 23, 2017, 4:49 pm
     
      We  will be there Saturday latish.  Looking forward  to seeing you all and for the cruising  .         8)
                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                   Tom
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Kim Taylor on May 23, 2017, 6:50 pm
Val and I will be there on Sunday afternoon/evening. Ironically, I have been working around Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry and Lochgilphead today - back home on Friday in time to turn around and come back up again for the Hoverin. Can't wait to get Kairos on the water and to meet up with everyone again.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on May 23, 2017, 10:46 pm
Sunday looks like good day to arrive weather-wise (http://xcweather.co.uk/forecast/inveraray)!  I'll be there Friday night onwards.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Mike Bingham on May 24, 2017, 12:07 am
sadly we won't arrive till monday lunch time over nighting Sunday at the Eagles Head, Over kellet just off m6 near Carnforth  so 200 miles to do monday ,but looking forward to meeting every one again !
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on May 24, 2017, 8:40 am
No probs, Mike.
Who is also attending with you?
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on May 24, 2017, 8:50 am
Only three days to go .         8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 
                                           


                                                                Tom
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Mike Bingham on May 24, 2017, 11:06 pm
The trouble and strife "Colette" trying to get her used to the luxury of motorhome travel ready for next year !
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on May 26, 2017, 6:09 pm
 
Hi All

I am very disappointed that I am unable  to bring the TS3 because of DVLA issues with my vehicle.  I am still coming up to Inverary tomorrow as have booked B&B for two nights then from Monday for 7 nights booked and paid for a Static caravan on the site.

Georgie and I are looking forward to seeing you all.

Take care and see you in Scotland

Tom

Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Mike Bingham on May 26, 2017, 9:19 pm
That's a shame Tom, hope its nothing too serious .see you on monday if all goes well.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: sandy on May 27, 2017, 7:46 pm
was in the tin tent today at st Catherine's  when a large explorer followed by an otter nice to see the lads out and about
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: tomtilley on May 28, 2017, 9:25 am
That's a shame Tom, hope its nothing too serious .see you on monday if all goes well.
.               
                         Hi Mick no it's not a serious problem . It is just the licence changes when you reach a certain age in your life.  I will sort on my return from Scotland


Tom
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Philip on May 28, 2017, 2:06 pm
Come on guys , put up some pics and video for the rest of us who cant be there :)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Warby on May 28, 2017, 8:23 pm
Come on guys , put up some pics and video for the rest of us who cant be there :)
Philip, check out "Gallery" some photos of Nick's new Otter
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on May 29, 2017, 8:18 pm
Kim in Kairos leaving the campsite

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/9_29_05_17_8_14_57.jpeg)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on May 29, 2017, 8:20 pm
Three craft moored up for the brewery trip. The tide was high!

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/9_29_05_17_8_15_50.jpeg)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on May 29, 2017, 8:31 pm
What a treat to see all four Otters out together today 😀

I took Kairos out for a spin and I have to say I was delighted with her. She's essentially mk2 and a bit (we lost count of the developments) and performs superbly. Nick and Kim can be congratulated for completing the build and for putting up with me and John, I hope they now have many happy hours enjoying third new craft. 😄
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Cumbria Dave on May 31, 2017, 12:00 am
I saw a yellow craft heading north around knutsford as I was towing my marlin south, happy hovering people,
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Kip on May 31, 2017, 7:29 pm
Whose a happie chappie.
 Great to see Truly of the Yard enjoying the fruits of his labour.
Waiting to see a white one along side.
Hope the weather is kind to you all,
Kip
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Philip on Jun 05, 2017, 12:40 pm
Everybody on the cruise gone quite?
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Kip on Jun 05, 2017, 6:52 pm
No ,They have just gone quiet.
Sorry Philip. Couldn't resist,
Kip
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Philip on Jun 05, 2017, 7:30 pm
No ,They have just gone quiet.
Sorry Philip. Couldn't resist,
Kip
:) :) :)
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Ian Brooks on Jun 05, 2017, 9:13 pm
Hi

Just back (well sort of) from Scotland. I had to come home when most other people were staying  :'(

Nathan & I arrived around lunchtime on Saturday, after setting off at some ridiculous hour in the morning. There was no-one at the Cabin so we offloaded the craft and were preparing to go out when John arrived in the Explorer, so without further ado we set off for the campsite to see who else had arrived. Nick wasa lready out in Sparkle, its maiden voyage! And what a jolly happy chap he was  :D

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/1_27_05_17_12_38_43.jpeg)

And here is the proud owner  :D

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/1_27_05_17_12_41_49.jpeg)

Kim & Val turned up on Sunday, and lost no time launching the second new Otter from the campsite. This one in traditional Otter YELLOW but in a particularly LOUD shade, it was soon christened the Custard Craft  ;) Both new owners are absolutely delighted with thier new craft. If you look closely you might be able to spot the differences between the new Otters and mine, which is an original MkI. The development has resulted in a number of small but quite significant changes, making the Briggs powered craft as lively as my mine (it jumps over hump like it wasn't there), and significantly improving the craft performance in cross winds too. I took Kims out for a spin and that put a smile on my face.

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/9_29_05_17_8_14_57.jpeg)

On Monday we took the usual trip to the brewery at the head of the Loch, with the tide right in we just moored the craft up in the trees.

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/9_29_05_17_8_15_50.jpeg)

The brewery have made a lot of improvements lately, so we had to stop for one (of course). However, the beer is not improved - perfection cannot be bettered! Lovely conditions for the run ack into the low sun of the evening

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/1_29_05_17_9_35_16.jpeg)

Tuesday was a bit wet so no decent photo's although we did get out for a run, collecting fuel at Inverary and stopping off at Creggans on the way back for light refreshment!

Wednesday was forecast to be nice so we all headed off down to Kilfinan beach and then on to Glenan Bay, about 35 miiles from the campsite. A few of us trekked up the hills to find a ruined traditional Scottish farm village, via a lady who traded a lawnmower repair for directions through the woods!

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/1_01_06_17_10_34_42.jpeg)

The main contingent then headed back up towards the campsite, whilst John, Nathan and myself headed on to Kilbride bay for a cuppa followed by the four mile crossing to the other side of the Loch to explore the lesser known small beaches over there. This part of the coast is remote, but retains ruins of long-abandoned farmsteads each one adjacent to its own small beach. Great for exploring. The rune back was sporting to say the least, with a big sea swell rolling up the loch and combining with unforecast fresh breeze to make challenging conditions. Thats when the Otter really feels good, taking 4ft waves in its stride, perhaps not in comfort but you never feel exposed.

The weather was poor again on Thursday, so we took a local trip to an interesting spot on the map that shows various neolithic remains, and discovered some cup-marked rocks and a pair of standing stones that align with the rising sun on midsummers day.

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/9_01_06_17_8_55_52.jpeg)

Friday was promised to be a great day so we planned to meet for a barbie in the evening at Eilean Mat-Ghamnha (no I've no idea how to procnounce that!) otherwise known as Newton Bay as seven. Prior to that, a contingent headed up the Loch to the brewery, whilst John, Nathan and I headed back down the Loch again to explore the remote parts some more. Beach hopping down, we visited a couple of remote ruined farmsteads and finished up on the beach at Skipness, just round the corner with Arran very tempting just 6 miles over the sound. However, the crossing was looking very choppy and in anycase we needed to set off for the two hour run to meet for the barbie.

(https://hoverclub.org.uk/gallery/1_02_06_17_11_46_22.jpeg)

That, unfortunately, was that for Nathan and myself as we had to set off for home on Saturday morning, but you can be sure it was with a wide grin. Another vintage year of hover fun in Argyll, I never tire of that place. Many thanks to John for organising everything and inviting us up to share such a beautiful place with him.

Ian & Nathan

Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017 - 1
Post by: Nick Flint on Jun 11, 2017, 6:56 pm
One taster photo taken of a much protesting Kim!
I ignored him of course.

Title: Re: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017 - 1
Post by: Nick Flint on Jun 11, 2017, 6:58 pm
Or-----
Title: Re: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017 - 1
Post by: Kim Taylor on Jun 13, 2017, 12:57 pm
Will post more when I have time but what a fantastic holiday!!

My craft, Kairos, covered 274 miles with only one brief snag (grit in quick release fuel connector as already mentioned by Nick) and I'm absolutely delighted with it. Val and I can cruise in comfort and safety as shown by one afternoon trip of 75 miles visiting Lochgilphead and Tarbert harbours. As well as being in company with Nick and Jane in their Otter, hats off to Mike who did the trip with us in his Marlin 1 - my back would have been killing me if I'd not been in my Otter...


That's to everyone for great adventures, memories and fun and to John for "not organising it"...


Image here is Kairos late one evening during a beach BBQ
Title: Re: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017 - 1
Post by: Kim Taylor on Jun 13, 2017, 12:58 pm
Afternoon trip - image of route taken
Title: Re: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017 - 1
Post by: Kim Taylor on Jun 13, 2017, 1:02 pm
Tarbert Harbour. Tide out (obviously!) ::)  but swans with cygnets (left side of photo) completely unphased by our presence.


Will post more in due course...
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Dave Munday on Jun 13, 2017, 8:04 pm
I Had a great time in Scotland , Thanks to John for organising and giving me a day out in the Hovercamper, great craft.   
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: John Robertson on Jun 15, 2017, 6:28 pm
Thanks to all for coming - weather was less than perfect at times but didn't stop the hovering!  No camping trip this year as we couldn't find two consecutive good days :(

Managed 559 miles over the two weeks with only a prop belt tightening required on the craft.
Title: Re: Scottish Hoverin 2017
Post by: Nick Flint on Aug 02, 2017, 10:17 am
Mike Bingham drifting to heaven  8)