Dinghy Cruising Association
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Rallies in Scotland

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​In Scotland   
rallies may be planned to explore some of these locations and places:
  • Loch Lomond​
  • The Solway Firth
  • The Firth of Clyde
  • Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull
  • The Cromarty Firth
  • The Firth of Forth

2022 Programme

We have two Regional Secretaries in Scotland - Andy Walters in the North and Leonie Griffin in the South. If you have any questions about the rally programme  or would like to join a rally prior to becoming a member of the DCA,   please  email  the   Regional Secretaries, specifying your question concerns  Scotland.

Please note that all rallies are subject to change or cancellation in the light of inclement weather or Covid-19, so it is vital that members check in the Forum's   Scotland   section    for last minute changes or important instructions relating to the rally. Contact details for the rally organisers can be found in the Forum or Journal.
23/4 April or 30 April/1 May        Loch Awe
Pop-up rally proposed on the DCA Forum.    Slipways  at Torran youth hostel and halfway up on the West side, used by the St Ayles' Skiff rowing club.   Contact  Joshua Msika via the Forum to discuss plans and agree dates.

​2 May       Cumbrae
​Daysail around Cumbrae from the public slipway by the Largs Yacht Haven on (bank holiday) Monday 2nd  May. Launch at 10.30am for half tide. Camping   nearby   for those travelling can be found at Kelburn Castle  or Whittlieburn.     
Host: Nick Evans

​13-15 May       Loch Lomond
This weekend rally is a continuation of the Border Reivers rally which starts at Kielder Water on 11-12 May. Participants may camp ashore or sleep on board.   Recommended campsites  are Sallochy, Cashel or Milarrochy  and early booking is advised.   ​There is a public launching slip at Balloch and boats can also be launched from the Milarrochy and Cashel campsites. Boats carrying outboard motors must be registered with the   Loch Lomond & the Trossachs   National Park.   
Hosts: Bill Haylock & Keith Muscott
6 - 10 June       Loch Linnhe
​Loch Linnhe is a wonderful cruising area, with impressive mountain scenery, lush green islands and historic castles, including Castle Stalker, which featured in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The plan is to meet and launch at Linnhe Marina, near Appin. Use of the slip is £10 for boats under 5m, £15 over 5m, car and trailer parking £15. This is a small, friendly, local family-owned marina with basic facilities in the shelter of Shuna Island. There is limited space for camping on the foreshore, and a toilet and shower at Linnhe Marina, but the plan would be to sail from there and camp aboard or ashore around Loch Linnhe. There is lots to explore, with Lismore Island 4 miles to the south west, Camas na Croise and Loch a' Choire a similar distance to the north west and lots of other bays and beaches. As a large sea loch, surrounded by high mountains, the conditions can be very variable with the possibility of large waves and squalls, but the tidal streams are not too strong in this part of Loch Linnhe and sheltered water can be found in most wind directions. As with all DCA rallies, it is up to individual skippers to decide whether the conditions are within their capabilities and experience. Please contact Bill Haylock if you wish to attend, as space is limited, and he will liaise with the owners at Linnhe Marina.
5 - 7 July      Loch Lomond
See above for possible campsites and the link to register your boat if you have an  outboard  with the National Park authorities.
Host David Roy, who  will be launching at Milarrochy.   

9 - 10 July        Gairloch                      Please note the changed dates for this rally
​Launch from Gairloch harbour slip.    Further information in the Forum.
Host:    Andy Walters ​
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Newton Campsite
15 - 17 July       Islands of Fleet, Solway Firth
​High waters are early afternoon so are pretty good for day sailing around the Islands.   Camp and launch at Newton Campsite    near  Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway.   The site is  close to the beach where you can  launch light boats and kayaks.  However it is a basic site and you need to bring your own toilet facilities.
Host: Tim Stephenson. 

5 - 8 August        Loch Long
​We can use the Ardentinny Outdoor Centre near Dunoon (PA23 8TR) as a base to explore Loch Long. Camping facilities are available at the outdoor centre, along with use of their slipway and space for cars, boats and trailers.
Host: Nick Evans
2-4 September    Kyles of Bute
Carry Farm Campsite  is situated on the West Kyle and offers both sheltered and more adventurous sailing. There is a good slipway for most of the tide (steepish). The camping area is on good level ground on short grass with loads of space. Hard standing for campers. Cafes in Tighnabruaich and evening meals at The Kames Hotel are very good if you don’t want to cook.  Carry Farm is an eco-farm and includes goats and donkeys so bring some carrots. Argyll Coffee Roasters are on site.
​Host: Roger Blamire

3 - 4 September        Cromarty Firth

A rally for those based further north!  Launch at Invergordon Boat Club.   
​Host:  Paul Laird-Measures. 
​
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Carry Farm campsite
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  • Home
  • About
    • Origins
    • News
    • Contact us
  • Cruising
    • Getting started >
      • FAQs
    • Living aboard
    • Taking the family
    • Safety
  • Dinghies
    • John Welsford talks about designing boats
    • Michael Storer talks about becoming a boat designer
    • Boat reviews
    • Technical Articles
    • Roamer and Rebell
    • YM Designs
  • Rallies
    • Calendar
    • Rallies in England >
      • South Coast
      • North West
      • North East
      • South West
      • East Coast
    • Rallies in Scotland
    • Rallies in Wales
    • Rallies in Ireland
    • Rallies in North America
    • Rallies in France
    • Rallies in the Netherlands
    • Rallies in Scandinavia
  • Journal
    • Archive >
      • Back Copies
    • Digital Subscribers >
      • 2022 Journals
  • DCA Library
    • Good Reads
    • Book Reviews
  • Join the DCA
  • Members Section
    • Renew/Update
    • Forum
    • DCA Shop
    • Membership Lists >
      • The Lists
    • Photo Competition
    • DCA Awards