After the regulation period of lurking on this forum, it's time to step out of the shadows and say hello. I'm the proud owner of a new (to me anyway) Bayraider 17 "Tripos". And of Andy D's collection of boat porn (see for sale section for details....)
I'm very inexperienced, but even after our first weekend with the boat on Ullswater I can see I'm going to have a lot of fun with her. Even if tackling the notoriously variable winds was a bit of a challenge - had to employ the borrowed too short oars at one stage to get back to shore. And had to use them again when I managed to jam the centreboard up with its own line. Won't do that again, I hope.
I'll be sailing mostly on Derwent Reservoir to start with where I'm keeping the boat, but also looking at Kielder, the Lakes and when I get more confident I'll be trying some gentle coastal stuff, but not for a while I think.
I'd love to meet up with any local Swallow owners for tips, sailing and chat - so if there's anyone around please get in touch. I'll be needing all the help I can get.
And thanks for this website by the way, it's a mine of information and opinion.
Hope to meet up with some of you sometime soon.
Cheers
Mark