26 Jul 2008 - Cumbrae Trip
We took the Club Boat over to the Clyde on Saturday to do a couple of Dives around Little Cumbrae, mainly for me to get a handle on any changes in the area since last year in preparation for my exam at the end of August.
There were six of us which was a full boat - Ally Macgregor, Lindsay Mackenzie, Karen Dunlop, Gavin Wilkie, Lorna Crawford and Stevie Adams. Ally and I met Lindsay amd karen at Harthill sevices and then we set off for Largs Marina,we arrived early and after paying the rather expensive Launch Fee (£16) we met gavin and Lorna at the Slip.
We managed to get Launched and Loaded quickly and set off 30mins ahead of schedule with 6 divers and 12 cylinders. Normally we limit it to 6 cylinders and return for fresh cylinders, or stop for fills, but we were aware of trying to get the day done without a late finish.
Dive Briefing
So with Ally Driving we headed off for Little Cumbrae and with a flat calm day and Ebbing Tide we were making 25knots even being heavily loaded, so within 15mins we had arrived at the First site 'Power Pole' on the West Side of Little Cumbrae. This is a Wall Dive with a drift, maximum depth is about 20-22m with lots of life to be seen, and loats of scallops on the sandy seabed.
Gavin, Ally and Lorna went in first as a three and the Dive went to time as planned and they surfaced with a pile of Scallops. I went in next with Karen and Lindsay, who was leading, tide was just beginning to turn so no drift but we stayed at around 17m and had a good Dive, lots of nice Scallops which we left as Karen felt sorry for them...again we surfaced on time with no issues.
Then we headed to Millport for Lunch and a 'Comfort Break' a tricky entry at low water but a Rib can easily anchor off the Beach at the Pier.
Lindsay and Karen wade ashore at Millport
Time was now pressing as Gav and Lorna had a party to go to, so we were rushed off to the Second Dive Site, North Trail Island.
Trail Island is the rocks to the left of the Castle
This is one of 3 Rocks which run south to North off the East Side of Little Cumbrae, with walls in steps to 40m+, I had never dived this one so it was interesting to see how far North the Walls go. Gavin Lorna and Ally were in first and headed off, after a few minutes we could see two groups of bubbles, this was a concern as looked like someone had become seperated, after a few minutes a DSMB came up and was followed by Ally a few minutes later, He had lost Gavin and Lorna who eventually surfaced a bit later...
Lindsay Karen and I went in at the same spot and had a nice Dive following the Wall along, which goes a lot further North than we previously thought. Although still a lot of Plankton in the water the vis and light was good above 15m...really nice clean walls further North which seem to drop off deeper...one to look at the next time.
So we headed off to Largs with Lindsay Driving, unloaded the Boat and everyone shot off to their Nights Out and Parties......
Ally Macgregor with Lindsay Taking us back to Largs
Ally and I had an 'interesting' journey home with a slow puncture on the Trailer, then the Land Rover overheated on the M8...so after giving her a drink of water and putting the boat away I finally arrived home at about 9pm...so for me it was a long 14 hour Day...
As we now only have two Vehicles with Tow Bars in the whole Club, some thought will be needed on how to make the Boat a more attractive proposition to use, perhaps we should be also thinking about a Club Vehicle again, wouldnt cost much to get an Old Tow Car for Club Use. Also how to encourage people to fit Tow Bars to be able to take the Boat out, one for the Committee Meeting I think...again!.