Hi Andy
I don't know Carsington, and am not sure what you consider a reasonable distance to travel, to sail. So a slightly tentative mention of Rudyard Lake, north of Leek. I've been twice, and the wind(s) happened not to be brilliant either time. There's quite a big sailing club at the north end. The public slipway is at the south end, a bit steepish (that's gradient, not price) as I recall. I think it's open all year (my local sailing, on the lake at Tatton Park, has closed for the winter), and my not-too-reliable recollection is £10 for a launch. It's quite an atmospheric place - probably attractive right now with autumn colours - and several of the trad design boats reviewed in 'Water Craft' have been sailed (and photographed) at Rudyard.
All this presupposes remotely favourable weather! Still, hope springs eternal....etc
In passing, I know boat names can be very personal, so don't respond if that's so. I'm very intrigued by 'Psalter'. Were/are you a chorister/choral vicar somewhere?! Anglican psalm chanting is, very sadly, a dying art.
Michael with Trouper 12 'Cavatina'