Youngest person to use the Caledonian Canal?

She is local to me and the coverage has been fantastic.

I'm about a month behind her in my own trip round Britain. Looking forward to the Cally and getting home to Corpach before going back to Plymouth.
 
I saw 'them' come into Inverness marina a month or so back. She came in 1st, and put it alongside (on the leeward side of the pontoon), perfectly, in a manner that made me a little bit jealous really, as I know how much 'fun' manoeuvring a long-keeler in a marina is.
Her Father came in a few minutes later and put it alongside more like myself, and pretty much all of us do from time to time, even with his daughter taking his lines.
For some reason both events, cheered me up!
Cracking effort by them both.
 
Sandy said:
She is local to me and the coverage has been fantastic.

I'm about a month behind her in my own trip round Britain. Looking forward to the Cally and getting home to Corpach before going back to Plymouth.
Click to expand...
Surely you do not describe a trip round the Southern parts and through the Caledonian Canal as “round Britain” - it is not (and don’t know how it could be accepted as such by any credible sailing records organisation).

Great voyage by Katie, but not a round Britain record.
And Sandy, surely you are missing most of the best bits of the British, let alone Great Britain (ie including islands), coastline. (Though you did set off in Autumn time)
 
I'm fascinated by daddy following within 5 miles "for insurance reasons". That's an hour at 5kts so what good could he be expected to do? She could mount up an impressive 3rd party claim before he appeared over the horizon.
 
If accompanied children are allowed to set round England (and a bit of Scotland) records, shouldn't be long until some 8 year old does it in her Optimist. I know at least two who would be up for it if they can find a chaperone.
 
I'm intrigued how folk can set out to "Sail round Britain" then, by taking a shortcut via the Caledonian Canal, in effect they only sail round England.
Did the others, whose record Katie has broken, also miss a big chunk of the coastline out?
 
dunedin said:
Surely you do not describe a trip round the Southern parts and through the Caledonian Canal as “round Britain” - it is not (and don’t know how it could be accepted as such by any credible sailing records organisation).
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Party pooper.

So where would you go to "qualify" it must encompass Orkney, Shetland, St Kilda, Rockall, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly? Oh and don't take the short cut through the Solent you must go round the IOW.
 
ProDave said:
Party pooper.

So where would you go to "qualify" it must encompass Orkney, Shetland, St Kilda, Rockall, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly? Oh and don't take the short cut through the Solent you must go round the IOW.
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I think it should be Mainland Britain, as Robert Wilson did in Khamsin in 2015.
Robert Wilson said:
In the words of the crop-duster in Independence Day,

Hello Boys - I'm back........................................

I rounded Cape Wrath at 22:15 on Tuesday night (30th June), sailed/motor-sailed through the night and into the dawn down the enchanting Sutherland and Ross-shire coast, entering my home port, Loch Ewe at 11:00 on Wednesday.

The reception party on the Aultbea quay was tremendous, helped immensely by glorious weather.

1837 miles. 378 hours "at sea". 104 hours pure sailing. 76 days "door to door".

Thank you to all of you on YBW for advice, encouragement and support.

ALL FOUR CORNERS - Done it :encouragement:

PS Scrabster doesn't have much for yotties, but is very friendly, is the only "marina" on the north coast, has a great pub/restaurant "The Ferry Inn" and the fee for a night is £13.
Gets my vote!
Click to expand...
 
ProDave said:
Party pooper.

So where would you go to "qualify" it must encompass Orkney, Shetland, St Kilda, Rockall, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly? Oh and don't take the short cut through the Solent you must go round the IOW.
Click to expand...
The definition of "Britain" is the mainland, so the route is clear - and includes Duncansby Head and Cape Wrath.
The Isle of Wight is an island off Britain so can be passed on either side.

Great Britain includes the islands, so the route would be outside IoW, Isles of Scilly, Muckle Flugga etc.
UK, as some reported, as you know would include Northern Ireland as well - which boating wise effectively adds a long extra bit round mainland Ireland to close the loop.
 
For a 14 year old it is hard work going via all those locks in the canal SH
Neptune's staircase etc can be difficult as it is a number of locks in one go.
One has to be good at boat control etc.
I found lock keepers had to spend their time with charter boats, so I had little help from them.
 
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dunedin said:
Surely you do not describe a trip round the Southern parts and through the Caledonian Canal as “round Britain” - it is not (and don’t know how it could be accepted as such by any credible sailing records organisation).

Great voyage by Katie, but not a round Britain record.
And Sandy, surely you are missing most of the best bits of the British, let alone Great Britain (ie including islands), coastline. (Though you did set off in Autumn time)
Click to expand...
As a Highland Scot I do know that I am missing the best bits. To strike another blow I've been advised that you cannot do a single handed transit of the Caly Canal this year due to COVID. I arrived in Peterhead and have asked many friends, but strongly suspect I'll be turning the boat round and heading back to Plymouth. There is always another year.
 
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