by Antony Sluce

The rallies are informal happenings which provide a chance for meeting up with like-minded people afloat or ashore. It is difficult to render assistance from a small boat, so each individual has to assess the situation in terms of their boat’s/crew’s abilities. The ideal rally is one where boats assemble from a number of different locations. There are not many places where this is possible in the NW, so I have indicated launching sites which I have used at each location.

April 16-17 Rudyard Lake (near Leek)

Approach from the S and pass through the car park of large pub down gravel road to dam. Reservoir attendant in cottage by dam collects dues. Launching down steep concrete ramp into deep water. Usually we gather for an evening aboard one of the boats.

May 14-15 Thurstaston, Dee estuary

Launch off hard at end of Banks Road, Heswall, 2hr either side of HW, or at Thurstaston, which is approached through caravan site and is possible 3hr either side of HW. HW Liverpool 1300. Daysailers would want to leave Thurstaston by 1000 to return at 1600. Camping at Thurstaston. Quiet anchoring in creek at Heswall.

June 11-12 Deganwy, River Conwy

Launch down slip on promenade. HW 1200 Menai Bridge. Anchorage possible in pool half a mile above bridge, or near railway jetty.

July 2-3 Coniston Sailing Club

Car parking and launching at CSC, which is on W side of lake ¼ mile S of Coniston village. Temporary membership fee payable to attend gathering in club bar on Saturday evening. Sleep aboard or camp at Coniston Old Hall campsite. No anchoring in CSC moorings. The details are to be confirmed with the CSC.

September 3-4 Ullswater

Car park and launching at Waterside Farm campsite on E side of lake, at northern end, 1 mile from Pooley Bridge. Gravel hard into shallow water if lake is low. Meet in evening in pub in Pooley Bridge.

May 27 - June 6 Loch Melfort

Colin Bell and Eric Scholes will be cruising in this area.

July 20 - August 20 Loch Melfort

Peter Filshie will be cruising in this area.