Eric Boinard – owner of GOD Zephyrus – writes:
“There is something special about cruising on the Clyde in a Gareloch One Design (GOD). It is a feeling of being at one with the sea and the wind, a sense of freedom and adventure that is hard to find anywhere else. And for my friend Pete and I, that feeling is what drives us to take our annual weekend cruises on Zephyrus, our restored GOD. We are on a mission to explore as far as the wind will take us, with our sights set on enjoying the journey, rather than just reaching a destination.
With each cruise, we learn a little more about the unpredictable nature of the wind and tide on the Clyde, but we also gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and charm of this Scottish waterway. And who knows where the wind will take us on our next adventure?
Our first cruise was in 2014, when we entered the Rothesay Passage Race, and while we did not come out great, we discovered an interest in cruising that has led us to explore many beautiful destinations along the Clyde. Over the years, we have encountered everything from calm, sunny days to challenging winds and swells, but through it all, we have never lost our love for this beautiful part of Scotland.
Our cruises have taken us to some incredible places, like Portavadie, where we sailed through the Kyles of Bute. We have also cruised to Port Bannatyne, Lochranza, Largs, and even attempted a night cruise to Tighnabruaich that had to be aborted due to a lack of wind.
There are numerous blogs on our website about Zephyrus’ restoration and one of the key objectives, in addition to bringing her back as close as possible to her original design, was to develop a safe and comfortable boat.
To that extent we have pumps, both electric and manual, bungs, spares, lights and anchor; fenders and mooring lines; charts (both paper and electronic), VHF and compasses (both analogue and digital). Full reefing capability and an open, uncluttered cockpit (double ended mainsheet) with a nice, comfortable floor to sleep on (thanks to Chris).
The sleeping quarters are made waterproof with a cover placed over the boom when on the marina pontoon, held in place by weights bound to it and thrown overboard.
We have been using paddles when the wind has disappeared and have been considering but discounted an iron sail (the outboard electric version) and we are planning to settle on a set of oars. They worked wonders for Frank Dye.
The aim is to cruise once or twice a year leaving on Saturday morning, going as far as the wind will take us, coming back on the Sunday. Lunch is on board whilst on the way, and whereas we can do breakfast on board, we cannot do dinner so we need to land somewhere we can go ashore for dinner.”
Read on for his detailed cruising reports!
2014-2022 – covering the below cruises
- 2022 – Portavadie
- 2021 – Port Bannatyne
- (2020 – no cruise – COVID!)
- (2019 – no cruise)
- 2018 – night cruise – aborted!
- (2017 – Largs passage race – but no cruise)
- 2016 – Lochranza
- 2015 – Largs
- 2014 – Rothesay – the passage race that started it all…
