Seaward Squadron Rally 2026
We are pleased to announce there will be two rallies and a mini-cruise for 2026
Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and West Country Cruise
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Scottish Rally
Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May 2026
Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
After the success of two annual Scottish Rallies since 2023, and numerous mini-rallies last year, I am delighted to announce that this year’s Seaward Squadron - Scottish Rally will be held in Port Ellen, Islay from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May 2026 .
This will coincide with FÈIS ÌLE - Islay Festival of Malt and Music - which celebrates the island, her culture and her spirit, in a spectacular event that defines the whisky calendar. It is said to provide a “combination of tastings, tours, beaches, walks, ceilidhs, sunsets and sunrises”.
“Port Ellen is the largest town on Islay after Bowmore and is situated in a sheltered part of the island, offering views to the Oa Peninsula and to Kilnaughton Bay, which is named after the chapel ruins and burial ground at the end of the bay beside the road to the Oa peninsula. The town has several shops, hotels, restaurants and a pub – the Ardview Inn”
The rally is being organised by Derek Wilson (owner of Seaward 29 "Savannah"), who is our regional Squadron representative for Scotland.
We will provide further details about the rally in due course, although please do put the dates on your calendar and let me know if you are planning to attend.
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English Rally
Friday 12th June to Sunday 14th June 2026
Gunwharf Quays. Portsmouth
Following the popular Torquay Rally of last year, I am delighted to announce that this year’s rally will be held at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, from Friday 12th June to Sunday 14th June 2026.
Located at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, beneath the iconic Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Marina is less than a mile from Portsmouth’s Historic Naval Dockyard, home to Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and the famous Mary Rose museum.
For those who enjoy a spot of retail therapy, the marina is just a short stroll from Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, with over 90 outlet stores and many restaurants, cafes and bars. Or, if you prefer fresh air and exercise, you can walk along the Millennium Promenade, which runs for 3 km between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Southsea Castle, with panels along the way to provide background to the history of the area.
I would encourage as many members as possible to attend, as the annual rally is always a fun and enjoyable event. We will have the usual Saturday evening Gala Dinner, which be held at the Old Custom House.
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West Country Cruise
Thursday 16th July to Monday 20th 2026
Mayflower Marina, Plymouth & Fowey, Cornwall
This would be a 'mini cruise' encompassing some of the delights of the West Country, including Plymouth and the Royal dockyards, Mevagissy, Fowey, the river Yealm, etc. A dinner has been arranged on the Sunday evening before we depart for home in Jolly Jack’s, and Mayflower Marina will be able to offer berths.
As with all Seaward Squadron gatherings, they are always very enjoyable and a lot of fun, and so I would encourage as many members as possible to join in the event.
Further details are attached using the link below, although you are welcome to contact me directly for further information or to book your place.
Tony Giblett - info.giblett@icloud.com
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Stephanie
stephanie@seawardsquadron.org