Tummel Week 2016

Tummel Week 2016: 38 years on and still going strong

 

Tummel Week this year is Monday the 25th to Friday the 29th of July, as in the last few years we will start with a Sunday night supper after the clubs anniversary race held on Sunday the 24th (visitors are welcome). Registration information along with costs will be available in a few weeks. Meanwhile to get yo in the 'summer'mood and away from whats outside today........

 

It was the summer of 1978 and, with inflation spiralling out of control, a family holiday seemed an remote possibility, when someone had the bright idea of making use of what we’d got. Why go off on an expensive break when we could spend a week in idyllic surroundings doing what we loved to do most – sailing! And so Tummel Week was conceived: a week devoted to racing for those who could sail, organised activities for the younger members and of course those all important social evenings. The week was such a success that it was decided to repeat it the following year, and the next one, and the one after that..... History has shown that recessions may come and go but Tummel Week has become a permanent fixture in the sailing calendar for 36 years and 2015 will be no exception. The afternoon of the 26th of July will see lots of people limbering up for a week of sailing and family fun at the 37th Tummel Week.

 

One year the start of Tummel Week coincided with the National 12 Championships, and some of the competitors decided to stay on for the rest of the week. Word of the event spread and some of the visiting sailors have been regular contributors for many years. “Contributors”, because everyone ‘mucks in’ to do the duties required to make the week run smoothly, and joins in to make the sailing and activities more fun.

 

Some Tummel Weeks enjoy beautiful weather – too beautiful in the opinion of some members!  That, however, is not always the case and, at the other extreme, on one occasion the boats had to be tied down on the shore. But, on the whole the weather is a mixture of sunshine and wind - something for everyone.

In recent years the format changed very slightly to leave Wednesday a ‘free day’ for such expeditions as a guided walk up Scheihallion or along to Killiekrankie, or an off road cycle trip or, simply lazing around as the mood takes you.

 

But the emphasis of Tummel Week is, as always, on sailing and on-the-water activities, which in the past have included raft building and the ever popular ‘windsurfer walk’; a challenge for both young and old, but at which only the bold and daring can succeed.

 

The evening entertainment has varied over the years from ceilidhs and discos to quizzes and bingo nights, and, although for this year the programme is still to be announced, we can tell you that the famous Loch Tummel catering will be, as ever, present in the form of a steak pie night, a BBQ and the prize giving dinner. Indeed, for most people just being in convivial company is entertainment enough.

 

Although the racing is competitive, slow handicap racing is included to allow younger members to compete at their own level. Please note, you do not have to race, but, as sailing is what the week is all about, safety cover is on hand at all times to encourage even the faint hearted to venture forth.

 

And, as you can see, for even the keenest sailors, it is always handy to have family members, of all sizes, on hand in case a light weather crew is required or for simply messing about in boats.

 

 

© 2015 Loch Tummel Sailing Club