From the Humber Yawl Club Yearbook 1909
From the Humber Yawl Club Yearbook 1910
»The Canoe Yawl » provides the same text
The following is an extract from a cruise on the West coast of Scotland in 1909. It is extracted from ‘ The Canoe Yawl – From the birth of leisure sailing to the 21st century –
RICHARD POWELL 2016 Lodestar Books.
Robert Groves sailed Sheila for 2 Summer months. The first week, he was sailing with a friend, then single-handed. He spent time sketching, including with fellow artists Albert Strange and C. W. Adderton as Sheila and Quest II were sailing together. Quest II is design #80 by Albert Strange, built for Adderton in 1907. She was a 44’ gaff ketch with a canoe counter hull. She was built in Talbert.
“The cruise of 1909 was not nearly so sporting in character as that of the previous season when Stornoway was reached and many other romantic and far-distant spots were visited, more than half of the time being spent in the waters of Loch Fyne. The weather on the whole was good, very good as compared with what was experienced in England; and though the time spent north of Crinan was only eighteen days, several fresh and highly interesting anchorages were added to Sheila’s list.
Leaving Tarbert, Loch Fyne on July 17th, our first run down to Skipness and back to Buck Bay, was in the nature of a trial trip on which any weak spot in the gear would be revealed. The next day was spent in Buck Bay, which we left in the evening for Tarbert.
19th July—Up betimes. Had a little re-adjustment of the shrouds seen to. Sailed in the evening for Ardrishaig and the North. Went into the canal at 9 p.m., mooring for the night above the first series of lochs. Started towing through at 6 o’clock next morning; arriving in Crinan Basin at 9.30 a.m. After breakfasting, and writing letters, ran out of canal and round to Crinan. Very wet and stormy.
21st July—Stormy and wet all day. Cleared up in the evening when sail was made for Loch Craignish. The scenery here was charming. Anchored in a pretty little bay at the north end of Righ Island. From this anchorage next day, a fine run with a stiff S.S.W. breeze took us to the Little Horse Shoe Bay, in Kerrera; by way of the Dorus Mhor, Pladda, Puilladobhrain and the Sound of Kerrera. It blew very hard all night and throughout the following day. Explored ruins of Gylen Castle.
24th July—The weather has improved. Sailed to Oban and afterwards to Dunstaffnage, where another interesting old castle was visited. Next day we left Dunstaffnage and had a fine sail to Ardtornish in the Sound of Mull; afterwards running back to Oban, as my companion had to leave for the South.
27th July—I sailed single-handed for the Sound of Mull, anchoring for the night at Ardtornish, and going on the next day to Tobermory.
29th July—Heavy rain all night and best part of the day. Cleared up in evening so got under weigh at 7 p.m. and sailed with light breeze for Eigg. Becalmed for hours off Ardnamurchan. Picked up a breeze during the small hours. Weather became thick with heavy rain. Steered a compass course and ran into Eigg at 3 a.m.; day breaking.
30th July—Stiff N.W. breeze; glorious day. Sailed over to Arisaig under jib and mizzen and anchored in the lovely little Camus au Talmhuinn. Visited an old friend and stayed to supper. Perfect evening; glorious sunset, with the mountains of Rum and Skye in the distance. The next day was spent in taking a small party (plural) for a sail; returning in the evening, and going to dinner at the old house of Clanranald.
1st August—Left Arisaig and sailed along that magnificent stretch of mountainous coast which lies between that spot and Ardnamurchan point. Went into the wild and romantic Loch Moidart and anchored close to Castle Tirrim, the ancient home of the Clanranalds. Made a few sketches of the ruins, and explored the island of Reisger. Lovely moonlight night. Left next morn- ing for Tobermory. Wind very light. Becalmed for hours off Ardmore and an- chored at Tobermory at 3 a.m., after a long and latterly rather monotonous sail. Left Tobermory in the morning in company with a number of local boats bound for Loch Aline to take part in the Regatta. Stiff breeze; glass falling.
4th August—Loch Aline Regatta. Fresh gale blowing; some good sailing witnessed. Sailed next day for Oban. Had the usual afternoon calm, which made the day long. Spent a pleasant evening on board the Raider, Dr. and Mrs. Morris.
6th August—Went over to Oban for letters and received news that my future shipmate could not arrive in Oban before Wednesday; so decided to go south without delay. Sailed through Easdale and Cuan Sounds and anchored below Dog Castle in Torsa.
7th August—Made up my mind to go right through to Skipness in Loch Fyne. Raining when anchor was lifted at Torsa. Calm and quiet in the Dorus Mohr. Fine and sunny at Crinan. Fresh breeze at Ardrishaig which fell completely off Tarbert. Arrived at Skipness at Midnight, thus finishing the first part of Cruise. The rest of the month of August was spent in sketching and sailing round about Skipness, Loch Ranza, Inch Marnock, and Loch Fyne.
1st September—My relatives who had been spending August at Skip ness departed for home; and after seeing them off I set sail for Tarbert to cruise in the company of Quest II and visit new anchorages with Messrs. Strange and Adderton.
Next day we sailed in company at 11 a.m., for Loch Gair; a place quite new to me. It is one of the most paintable spots on the coast, and many days were spent here; pleasant memories of which will long remain with me. While staying here Messrs. Strange and Adderton accompanied me in Sheila on a voyage of exploration to the upper waters of Loch Fyne. A fine morning with a light breeze saw us under weigh, and the weather continued good until half the return journey was accomplished, when down came the rain; and we finished the trip in the dark with no wind and a soaking deluge.
9th September—Both ships left for Tarbert; where in due course they arrived after a splendid sail in lovely weather.
11th September—Mr. Strange left for home and slavery (i.e., hard work), and on the 14th both Quest II and Sheila sailed for Loch Ranza where we stayed four days sketching.
19th September—Today saw us both back at Tarbert, and the 21st finished Sheila’s cruise. The total distance sailed from port to port was 540 nautical miles.
