Helensburgh CC – Page 23 – Canoeing and Kayaking with Helensburgh C.C.

22nd March 2015

Loch Lomond March 21st

Kayakers: David B., Stuart, Tom, Tim, Geoff, Ross M., Adam, Paul, Robin, Anne, plus Blair and Scott (Lomond)

Weather: Glorious; sunny and calm

Report: There was considerable surprise (and delight) that a hastily arranged off the cuff trip could attract so many kayakers with so few of the usual suspects! The weather was wonderful and, as ever, the loch looked stunning For a change we crossed the loch and headed north. After a short break we made our way to Rowardennan for lunch. We got back to Luss just after 2pm just as two weddings at the Lodge got underway. A lovely, short but very worthwhile trip

20th March 201520th March 2015

Finnart March 20th 2015

Kayakers: Geoff, Tim and Robert

Weather: Calm with hazy sunshine at times. Cold

Report: All previous “Thursday” meets had been cancelled due to the weather and we hope numbers will start to climb as it becomes part of the established pattern of events. Finnart was a new destination for Tim and Robert and, as ever, the landscape was sublime.

Looking south to the light at the entrance of Loch Goil

The paddle started and ended by a huge tanker tied up at Finnart. The Ashna is owned by an Indian Oil Company called Essar, and has a Gross Tonnage (crudely how much it weighs) of 156,417 and a Deadweight Tonnage (how much it carries) of 301,000 tonnes. By comparison the biggest cruise liner in the world has a GT of 225,282 tonnes but a DT of only 19,700.

From Finnart we crossed to Mark and after a quick inspection , that confirmed everything at the Bothy was in excellent condition, we pushed on to Carrick Castle for lunch.

Looking up Loch Goil from the picnic spot at Carrick Castle

A leisurely lunch was followed by a paddle along the south shore to the point where we crossed Loch Long. A pleasant paddle, with a light breeze behind us, brought us past Portincaple back to Finnart by around 2pm. Total distance was just over 12km in just over 3 hours paddling time. A lovely relaxing day.

13th March 2015

Chairperson’s Report 2014/15

Membership:

Membership steady at just under 50
High Turnover: New members on Basic Skills Course, Many leave after 1 or 2 years
Gender Distribution: Female 25% of members
Age Distribution: Equally Spread ;18, 18-30, 30-55,>55

Training Courses Run: Basic Skills, Basic Skills for Youngsters, Sea Expedition, Foundation Safety and Rescue

Coaches: Significant increase in number and level of qualified coaches working with club

River and Whitewater: Limited ; dependent upon availability of limited number of people, Pinkston Trip very successful. To be expanded.

Loch and Sea: Extensive Programme (19 trips) for all ability levels with 38 Participants in total on one or more

Conclusions:

Club Healthy : Finances and Activities
Pool Sessions: Provide focus.
Need to do more to retain youngsters in club; Pinkston, Rivers, Polo, Club Co-operation=> Competition
Need to refresh club officers and committee.

Geoff Riddington Chair 12/3/15

NB The full powerpoint presentation with trip photos can be obtained from Riddington89@hotmail.com

13th March 201513th March 2015

Treasurers Report 2014/15

HELENSBURGH CANOE CLUB

Income and Expenditure Account (Year Ending 28^th February 2015)

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

INCOME £ £ £

Membership Fees 850.00 1,340.00 1,320.00

Profit on pool and coaching activities 562.50 (79.95) 393.39

Bank Interest 0.22 0.24 0.29

Equipment Rental 0.00 80.00 60.00

Miscellaneous 45.47 50.00 40.00

———- ———- ———-

1,458.19 1,390.29 1,813.68

EXPENDITURE

Scottish Canoe Association Affiliation 50.00 75.00 115.00

Venue rentals for meetings 15.00 20.00 60.00

Equipment (fixed assets) 820.00 679.00 0.00

Equipment (consumables) 54.00 267.99 110.00

Miscellaneous 0.00 0.00 0.00

RNCYC Associate Membership – – 200.00

Depreciation 1,858.51 1,425.97 1,425.97

———- ———- ———-

2,797.51 2,467.96 1,910.97

SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR YEAR (1,279.32) (1,077.67) (97.29)

Balance Sheet as at 28^th February 2015.

Notes £ £ £

Fixed Assets 1 5,351.25 4,604.28 3,178.31

Current Assets

Bank 4,271.85 4,178.81 5,307.52

Creditors 0.00 0.00 0.00

Stock 60.00 40.00 0.00

Current Liabilities

Debtors (600.00) (494.66) (254.67)

Cash in advance (336.00) 0.00 0.00

Net Current Assets 3,395.85 3,724.15 5,052.85

£ 8,747.10 £8,328.43 £8,231.16

Represented by:

Capital Account: 8,747.10 8,328.43 8,231.16

£ 8,747.10 £8,328.43 £8,231.16

Ken White

Treasurer

10^th March 2105.

HELENSBURGH CANOE CLUB

Notes to the Accounts as at 28^th February 2015

Fixed Assets and Depreciation*.

Asset Purchased Cost Depreciation Value 28/02/15 Total

Trailer 07/06/10 1,991.99 332.00 1,328.00 663.99

3 Canoes 07/06/10 2,073.63 345.60 1,382.40 691.23

3 Sea Kayaks 28/09/10 2,116.23 352.70 1,410.80 705.43

Trailer 20/10/10 1,095.00 182.50 730.00 365.00

Sea Kayak P&H 29/06/12 600.00 100.00 300.00 300.00

Open Canoe (MR) 09/03/13 679.00 113.17 226.34 452.66

8,555.85 1,425.97 5,377.54 3,178.31

* Fixed Assets depreciated over 6 years.

AGM 12^th March 2015

Treasurer’s Report for 2014/15

The Club’s finances are relatively stable.

Membership fee income is very similar to last year. The modest profit on pool and coaching activities reflects the fact that the pool is reasonably well used most Tuesdays.

On the expenditure side, there were no fixed asset purchases, and only limited spend on consumables. This is likely to change in the next financial year, as one or two sea kayaks may need replacing, along with a substantial amount of consumable equipment (e.g. spray decks, buoyancy aids, paddles etc). With over £5,000 in the bank, this should be manageable.

The £200 “RNCYC Associate Membership” payment is the annual charge for use of the storage container.

The Club isn’t generating sufficient reserves to replace the main kayak “fleets” that were purchased with Lottery grants. The committee’s current expectation is that further Lottery (or other) funding will be available when these boats need to be replaced.

Ken White

Treasurer

11^th March 2015

13th March 201522nd August 2017

Club Officers and Committee 2015/16

The AGM last Thursday (12th March 2015) elected the following members

Chairperson: Grant Dolier

Secretary: Tim Lamb

Treasurer: Ken White

Chief Coach: Euan Forrest

Communications and Website: Geoff Riddington

Inland Convener: Grant Dolier

Quartermaster: Euan Forrest

Sea Convener: High Murray

Safeguarding Officer: Mark Cleminson

Committee: David Norton, Eleanor Phillips, M.M

The Club Accounts and Chair’s Report can be found under information and policies

13th February 201522nd August 2017

Minutes of Committee Meeting, Monday 9th Feb 2015, Lochgoilhead 1pm

Present; Geoff, Hugh, Euan, David, Allan, Tim, Grant

Apologies; Mark, Ellie, Ken

Money and Equipment Requirements. An estimate was made that the club had around £3,500 with outstanding bills for the pool of around £800 and our next payment to RCYNC of £500 due in the spring. The club can therefore afford both maintenance and, if there is a good offer, investment in new boats, specifically a sea kayak.
Grant Application. The fleet of boats owned by the Scouts but used in the Spring for training youngsters have reached the end of their life. The boat selected is the Pyranha Fusion which is best described as a touring boat , suitable for loch, inshore touring and rivers and retailing about £550 each. Three potential funding sources were identified a) Coast and Communities Fund when it reopens b) Awards for All and c) Scout Development Funds via Scouts. The target is 12 boats and associated equipment

Actions: EF to get forms for C&C Fund and Awards for all

GR to investigate Scout funds

Maintenance of Sea Kayaks. This had not yet occurred. Grant’s suggestion of retrofitting closed cell foam as bulkheads and sealing with Sikaflex agreed.

Actions: GD to contact cell manafacturers about purchase and “cut to size” units

GR to get sea kayak to QD Plastics ASAP and investigate if they could do bulkhead work.

RNCYC AGM Wed 25th Feb. Important meeting at RNCYC on their future strategy. Canoe Club officials would attend to show face and investigate repair/workshop options at RNCYC.

Delegates: GR, DN and MC

Coaching Plans and Possible Dates

Basic Skills for Youngsters Course, 10 places, scheduled April-June.
Foundation Safety and Rescue scheduled for May.
Lochgoilhead Centre to run L1 and L2 coach training in school holidays
Willie Macleod is running L1 course 14/15^th and21st/22^nd March and L2 Training 23^rd/24^th May and 6^th/7^th June
Robin will undertake 2 star assessments.

A discussion followed on why relatively few on our Basic courses became long term members. The lack of a development path at Youth level was one reason and hopefully co-operation between clubs north of the Clyde might help. The present SCA structure mitigates against this. Grant thought that our retention rate was high compared to the norm of 3%.

Action: GR to investigate A&B funding

Sea (Loch) Trips. Hugh to organise a) Day/Overnight trips monthly from March. B) 3 or 4 day trip late April c) 1 week trip July August and d) 1 week trip abroad early October. Geoff is to organise midweek trips starting this Thursday 12^th Feb around Little Cumbrae.
River Trips. Grant is still only experienced paddler willing to take kayak river trips at grade 2 and above. M might take canoe trip . Next agreed date in April.

Action GR to talk to M

Pinkston. Grant to arrange monthly sessions at Pinkston for club Action: GD
Lomond Club. Back in operation and eager to collaborate. Club agreed to mutual rights : we can attend their pool sessions (Sunday evenings in Dumbarton) and trips and they can equally attend our sessions and trips . One qualification is that for insurance reasons a member should join the relevant club after three trips away.
Child Protection. Mark reported some progress. Agreed that all who have direct contact with youngster’s course (GR, EF, MC, RB) must have PVG via SCA and everybody in club should be made aware of the need to always have another person present when with a youngster. Club currently does not have any vulnerable adults.

11 . Showcase in Colquoun Square. Clubs have been offered a chance to display their wares in Helensburgh on any Saturday they choose. Our conclusion was that it would not be particularly effective; we could not cope with a large influx of new members even if they resulted. However we should get note into Community Advertiser and on notice in Pool to ensure we are known to anyone interested. Action: GR.

AGM. Date: Thursday 12^th March 8pm in Scout Hall . Photo Competition a). Portrait with a boat (kayak/canoe) b) Structures with a boat. Note: The chair is required by the club constitution to demit office this year Action GR to book Hall

Tour of Scout Activity Centre. GD showed us around the activity centre and explained what they currently offer. Of particular interest was the provision made for the mentally and physically challenged and the increasing professionalization of the staff.

Meeting Closed; 4pm

GLR 10/1/15

25th November 2014

Kilcreggan, Dunoon and the Gantocks. Nov 20th 2014

Paddlers: Hugh, Robin, Derek and Geoff

Weather: Broken cloud (but a lot of it), some heavy rain and potentially windy.

Route:

Report

The weather forecast was of strong wind and rain . We started off with an easterly that helped us across to the pier at Strone for some elevenses.

From Strone we headed south along the seafront of Dunoon. The cloud over the hills was, at times, spectacular, particularly when illuminated by the odd shaft of sun.

We lunched at the far end of the Dunoon promenade which was surprisingly busy as people grabbed the dry and almost sunny period for a walk (normally with dog). After lunch we headed east to the old lighthouse that marks the Gantock rocks whose most famous victim was the Waverley.

The shallow water and rocks here produced some interesting and surprising tidal eddies. A short investigation then on to Cloch lighthouse. By now the wind had shifted to the South West. After a short break just past Cloch to unjam skegs and answer the call of nature, we headed back directly to our launch site at Kilcreggan. With wind assistance the 3 miles was quite quickly covered and we were back by 15:00 . Another good day

25th November 201425th November 2014

North Loch Lomond 20th November 2014

Paddlers: Tim, Alan and Geoff

Weather: Cold and Grey but little wind

Route:

Report:

With two late call offs only 3 of us set off from Inveruglas for a trip around the north of the loch. The initial target was to view the Pillar Rock roadworks from the loch. From there we headed up to the end of the loch, in part to investigate the Outdoor Centre. There was little obvious life. We finally landed at the deserted township of Ardleish. In summer there is a pedestrian ferry here from the West Highland Way to Ardlui. The buildings and cottage, however, are wrecked.After some lunch we headed south into a stiffish breeze to “Island I Vow”. This is a lovely place with glorious views north and south and what appears to be a nice little camp site.

The next target was the Inversnaid Hotel. This used to open for the whole year but is now closed October 25th to March 25th. A large black wild goat showed interest in proceedings as we looked at the hotel and waterfall. Our final paddle took us back across the loch to the cars and home. An excellent paddle in stunning scenery.

25th November 201425th November 2014

Basic Training October/November

Basic Skills Training continued in the pool under Euan’s guidance. A Canoe session took place at RCYNC which, after a panic over an absence of paddles, proved very successful (Sue, Stuart, Sam, Alan, Tim, Geoff, Robin and Euan in attendance).

The Paddle Round the Islands on 1st November was moved down to Lomond Shores on account of the forecast Force 6 gusts (F4 prevailing). The group (Alan, Tim, Robert, Sam, Stuart, Elaine, Geoff, Robin,Tom &) had an enjoyable paddle in sea boats up to Duck Bay and return without mishap. After a boat swap (Sam into a small boat and Robin into a canoe) we then set off for a paddle down river. Going down the strength of the flow was not apparent but on turning a number of the beginners had a struggle. Sam, in her small boat, had particular difficulties and needed a bit of assistance. As soon as the long boats disappeared there was a capsize under tow causing some problems. However it was all eventually sorted and the 4 small boats successfully returned. A good time was had by all.

On the next two Saturdays Robin took on the role of 2 Star Assessor and Tim, Alan and Sam achieved the award.

13th October 201413th October 2014

Turkey 2014

Paddlers: Geoff, Hugh and Ken

Route: We chose the only extensive length of the coast within driving distance of Dalaman Airport and our kayak supplier, that we had not paddled in previous years. This ran from Marmaris to Gocek and proved to be equally exciting with spectacular cliff scenery.

Weather: 6 days of sunshine with temperatures at around 26c. Nights cool enough to sleep (21C). Sea breezes kept us cool but picked up in the afternoon to add a little challenge to the kayaking.

Report:

Day 1: Arrived at Dalaman at 10.30pm local time after 4 .5hr flight and with 2hr time shift. Met by Dean (supplier) and travelled to Icmeler (near Marmaris) for night in small hotel. After a couple of beers, bed by 02:30.

Day 2: After breakfast and some shopping for supplies (notably 30 litre of water) we set off for our launch point in Marmaris.

The previous days storm was working itself out and the first, short, paddle back to Icmeler for launch was quite bumpy.

After lunch the wind dropped and we headed out of Marmaris Bay for the wild coast of this part of Turkey.

Beaches and camp sites are not frequent and getting one at the right time is always problematic. The first night we found a long shingle beach backed by a pine forest. Within the forest were a couple of clearings with the remnants of what appeared to be bee hives and temporary habitations. The sites were dirty but we had little choice and pitched whilst making our fire and doing the cooking on the shingle.

A big problem was a major leak into the rear compartment of Geoff’s boat. This appeared to be coming from the top of the skeg box where the wire went through the hull and an earlier repair had failed. The combined weight of the paddler, camp equipment and supplies for a week coupled with the rough water in the morning had led to significant incursions which got progressively worse as more water got into the rear compartment. The best repair seemed to be taping up the whole box.

Day 3: Dawn was around 7am and was normally the best part of the day, cool, calm and beautiful.

We normally got up around 7.30 (some earlier) and got afloat between 8.30 and 9. This day, however, we were much later. To avoid any contact with the Turkish Navy, whose main base is in the next bay to Marmaris,we headed out towards the island of Yilancik Ada.

Landings were rough and upon inspection of Geoff’s boat found that the tape had become damaged and water was again entering the boat. Further repair included a cane buffer over the tape to try and absorb any impact with rocks. With regular inspection and re-taping this worked for the rest of the trip.

Back to the mainland and the exceptional cliff and cave scenery.

One of he many caves on the coast only really accessible by kayak — One of the many caves on the coast only really accessible by kayak

The next camp site was on a long isolated beach. To the west it was shingle backed by a pine forest but the eastern end was sandy and open. As on the previous day there were clearings in the pine forest and deserted hives. There were also wild donkeys and evidence of larger animals (cows and wild boars). A golden eagle circled overhead. Remarkably for such a large flat area there were no tracks and no evidence of permanent habitation. Apart from sand everywhere the camp site was very pleasant (and wood for the fire plentiful).

Day 4: Another glorious morning.

And onwards. The coast was wonderful, with huge limestone cliffs, stacks, caves and arches.

Turtle Beach is a long sand beach that crosses the wide Dalyan valley. The river up to Dalyan is restricted to local passenger boats that bring people from the town to the beach. It is apparently possible to use the waterway before 10am but we opted to simply paddle along. The beach is an internationally protected zone for turtles (Green and Loggerhead) and unknown to us, the public is not allowed in the area between 8pm and 8am. This restriction is not obvious and we paddled to the far end, close to dusk. A suitable site in a picnic areas was identified and we started to erect the tents only to be accosted by a man in uniform with a whistle. After trying to explain we could not go on because of lack of landing places and darkness falling he summoned an English speaker who managed to explain our predicament and get us permission to stop . The conditions were no fires or lights, kayaks completely off the beach area and an early departure (8.15am) , so we had a rather bleak early night.

Day 5 The day started with some of the best limestone scenery in the world.

This was followed by a 5 mile sand beach that started in a hilly area at Sangerme Park which consisted of four expensive hotel complexes. We had expected beach bars but everybody was apparently on an “all inclusive” holiday (which included all water sports and food/drink). The reps at the German hotel, having explained that there was no where we could get a cup of coffee or beer, provided one free.

The main beach is the end of Dalaman airport and is dirty and bleak, with no facilities. After lunch at the east end we were back to the cliffs searching for a camp site/beach. At this stage we came across one of the best caves of the trip

Hugh had identified potential landing spots and camp sites from examining Google Earth. Some of these were impossible but generally they were OK as in the next case, a small bay on the south side of a high saddle at the end of Gocek Bay.

The evening ushered in the most spectacular of sunsets and another superb fire.

Day 6 The good weather had resulted in a calm trip . Rounding headlands however is always slightly problematic because exposure to the ever present swell generates clapotis. On day 6 we rounded the final cape to go into the more sheltered Bay of Fethiye. Again there were no troubles although there was a very slight tide race at the point

The paddle into the islands to our lunch stop seemed to take a long time and after a prolonged break the wind had got up from the south giving us a tough final couple of hours to our final camp site which were some small terraces adjacent to a small restaurant catering for yachties.

Day 7 The final day involved a 12mile trip through the islands to the village of Gocek. This bay was probably the least interesting scenically and undoubtedly the busiest in terms of craft. Every inlet had a minimum of two or three boats and if there was a cafe and pontoon a more usual number was 20-30. Whereas 5 years ago most of the boats had either been yachts or gulets (local boats catering for tourists) now the area was awash with huge motor cruisers, many U.S. flagged. Including those tied up in the marinas in Gocek, boat numbers in this tiny section of our trip must have run into thousands. The biggest of all, flying the red ensign, was Delbar; owned by a Russian billionaire.

1-PA050063 — A small private yacht! Note helicopter.

We arrived in Gocek mid afternoon, time for a beer and an ice cream before meeting Dean for the trip back to the airport.

Dean arrived 4.30 and after repacking from the kayaks into our travel bags we had an excellent meal.

The airport journey and check in were uneventful, flights were on time and we were back home by 2.30am. An excellent trip.

Some Facts

Cost: Flights £300, Kayak Hire and airport transport £200, Meals, Beers, Airport Parking etc £150. Total £650

Distance Covered: 150km (95miles). The most we paddled any day was only 14.5Nm (18miles)