Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Matthew P on 19 Jun 2013, 20:59
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Following in the wake of the very enjoyable Bala Rally organised by Graham last weekend, would anyone be interested in a similar event next May on Ullswater? I would be happy to co-ordinate if there is sufficient interest.
Would Saturday and Sunday 10th-11th May be suitable?
Your comments please.
Matthew
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Yes, Matthew, in principle (meaning, provided whatever date is proposed withstands the rigours of domestic and other pressures between now and then), I'm very interested.
Michael
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Looks good to me.
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Yes I would be interested, but the dates for me are to near the Caledonia 2014.
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I was thinking of using Ullswater as a staging post; leaving my boat near Ullswater (not sure where exactly) after the meeting and picking it up to take on to Scotland two weeks later. I appreciate that it is a long way from Herefordshire though.
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I would also be interested.
Simon
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I have added this to the events calendar.
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Hi, Matthew.
Went to Ullswater once.
It rained.
It rained so much that the OGA cancelled thier rally at Glenridding. Apparently the roads were flooded enough to prevent access to the centre (but presumably not flooded enough to sail down Greenside Road.)
We were OK being based up at the Ullswater Sailing Club and had a great couple of days on a stunningly beautiful stretch of water.
I'd certainly like to go again. Its easy to get to and interesting sailing (....and if the wind dies you can use your outboard!) but cant commit until nearer the time.
Can you suggest a venue?
Photo show the replica "Swallow" - as used in the film of "Swallows and Amazons". Guess what! It's not a BayRaider! Other photo shows the rain. Bala not the only place with pontoons awash!
PS No news from Our Mutual Friend yet.
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Hi Tony
I have to admit it does sometimes rain at Ullswater. But with my rose-coloured glasses on I nostalgically remember between about 1990 and 1995 we had many happy, sunny weekends with our very young family, camping at Waterside Farm and sailing my Drascombe Coaster. The standard trip was a long beat up the lake from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding for an ice cream and then a rapid (relatively) run before the wind back. Fish & chips in Penrith on the way home to Bolton is another part of the memory.
Inspired by this nostalgia I thought maybe we could camp at Waterside Farm for the SB Rally but I need to investigate the current amenities. It had the advantage of camping, as the name implies, by the waterside. I will also see what Ullswater Sailing Club (which has a friendly reputation) has to offer.
Matthew
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All sounds good to me......(No rain = no Lakes.)
......especially the fish and chips!
Keep us posted!
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I agree!
I've had a couple of holidays on Ullswater with my Bayraider based at Glenridding, who were really helpful, even using their little tractor to launch/recover me each day at no extra charge.
Was excellent sailing in stunning scenery, great fun exploring the little islands etc.
I'd be interested in a rally there.
Andy
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Matthew
Likewise. Staging post idea also worth thinking through.
Best wishes
Bill
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I am also interested in this, subject to dates and other commitments. the waterside house campsite website looks good.
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On the basis I actually get hold of a BR before then - absolutely! Ullswater is a lovely place to sail and conveniently accessible from NE Scotland...
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Matthew
Certainly interested in Ulswater - though early May might be optimistic for reasonable weather in the lakes?
I will probably be running the Teifi rally again in 2014 but I can't fix the date for this until the end of 2013 when I can negotiate a W/E with the Teifi Boating Club. In reality the available dates are very few - looking for good W/E tide outside school holidays,
Regards
Gareth
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Matthew,
Rain is just a state of mind! I will hope to see you there.
Tim
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It will be good to have your company Tim. I agree rain is a state of mind and as we will be in the Lake District at the start of summer sailing season we might almost hope for "Warm Winds and Gentle Rain":
"The buds of spring are a beginning
for the green leaves of summer
and the sparkling colours
that will soon greet our eyes.
The warm winds and gentle rains
will remove the harshness of winter’s gloom
and help the birth of new flowers blooms.
We’ll leave behind the long darkness
as we wake to days of summer’s sun.
The feelings of goodness
will inherit the heart
and smiles will ring out
with the warmth of colours
that will greet our eyes."
Warm Winds And Gentle Rains by David Harris 2009
See you there!
Matthew
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For the past few years the weather has been better here in April and May than June and July (this year has been the odd one out).
I should be able to make this, just got to either get a tow bar for the camper van or find my tent.
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I'm always up for a trip to Ullswater - I agree that, from a base at the Pooley Bridge end of the lake it normally works out to be a beat up to Glenridding and then a nice run home. I was up there last weekend cycling and look forward to being up there again with the boat. I was there with the Bayraider in May this year and camped and launched at Park Foot campsite. I used to stay at Waterside but I think Park Foot, which is between Waterside and Pooley Bridge offers several advantages in addition to being a significantly shorter walk to the pub at Pooley.
The launching beach shelves nicely and the water gets deeper reasonably quickly. There are also several moorings nearby which may well be vacant in May for overnight use - see buoys in photo. At Waterside, as I recall, it is rather shallow for a long way out. Also, at Park Foot there is a handy area near the beach to rig boats, park cars and trailers, etc. The lake side camping field is very large which makes it's easy when you're arriving with a 20' boat attached.
The cost of launching is very reasonable, I think it adds about £2.50 if you're camping - maybe a bit more if you're staying somewhere else. I see that at Glenridding Sailing Centre it's at least £20 per day!
The camping facilities at Park Foot are excellent and extensive, although early in the season the wash rooms on the lakeside field may or may not be open (in which case it is necessary to cross the road to the main site). I think there are also log cabins to rent if you don't fancy camping alternatively there's accommodation in Pooley Bridge which is only a short walk along the lakeside.
Anyway, there's my pitch for Park Foot. I should have carried out lots of mods to the boat by then and will be dying to try them out!
I've also posted a couple of photos:
The first one shows the launch area (dead ahead) with the area for prepping boats and parking trailers, etc, on the right through the gate.
The second is a closer shot of the launch spot.
The third is a general view of the camping area.
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Thanks Alistair for your helpful observations regarding Park Foot and Waterside Farm.
Park Foot certainly seems to have many advantages. It is some years since I camped and sailed on Ullswater, so I am visiting Park Foot and Waterside Farm in February to check details and availability and then I will let everyone know the outcome and on this forum.
Has anyone got suggestions for a cheery pub/restaurant near Pooley Bridge (ideally within staggering distance of Parkside) that I can book, for perhaps 10-20 people, on the Saturday evening?
Matthew
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I am hoping to join the rally with my BR20e still in the pipeline but promised in time for Sail Caledonia. Talking to Matt at the Show, he was confident that it would be ready by the end of April (this year - sorry- I've been following some other recent posts!). Ullswater would be a great chance to have trial and perhaps glean tips from other Swallow owners.
It's nearly 40 years since I last joined a Wayfarer rally on Ullswater. Does one need any form of licence or permission to take to the water there?
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Hi Rory, great to have you along. I expect there will be a least one other BR20e (Reg, are you still able to come?). Even if your new boat is not ready (but we hope it is) I am sure you will be welcome to try other boats.
No special permissions are required to sail on Ullswater but I need to check access for launching, which I will do when visiting the Lakes in a couple of weeks. I'll update everyone after that.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Mathew,
If you can at Ullswater Mathew. A nice video, like the one you did a Bala, would be great. It lets me sail with the group vicariously. Most enjoyable. Afraid I can be there in spirit only! I am not planning any overseas trips this year.
(Same goes for Bala also).
Thanks,
David.
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Hi Mathew,
If you can at Ullswater Mathew. A nice video, like the one you did a Bala, would be great. It lets me sail with the group vicariously. Most enjoyable. Afraid I can be there in spirit only! I am not planning any overseas trips this year.
(Same goes for Bala also).
Thanks,
David.
Hello David
I'll do my best but I hope steadier hands in other boats will add interesting content too.
Glad to have you along in spirit, may ask what you sail and where? Perhaps you could reciprocate with footage from your local waters.
Regards
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Mathew,
Your video was great. No shakey hands that I could detect ;D
I have a BayRaider 20, which I sail off the coast of California. Usually, I sail out of Oceanside or San Diego.
I am using "You Tube" as a kind of video diary and you can find my videos at SwallowBoatstheNomad on you tube. Its nice as I am able to relive previous sailing adventures when I am not able to get out!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHS26sgmm8Xu9KhKeIw1ug
Fair winds,
David.
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Matthew
Reference a nice pub in Pooley Bridge - I'd suggest you have a beer in the Sun Inn and see what you think - I thought it was the best last time I was there. What used to be called the Swiss Chalet was undergoing refurbishment - I think it might be going v.posh.
Have a good weekend.
Alistair
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I visited Ullswater last weekend and have compared Parkfoot Caravan & Camping Park versus Waterside Farm on the sheet attached.
In summary, Parkfoot Caravan & Camping Park, has many facilities but the launching and beaching area is small, about 100 mtrs away from the campsite and not easily visible. Waterside Farm is more basic and 1/2 mile further from Pooley Bridge but has more easily accessible slipways and bigger beaches right next to the camping area. Both Parkfoot and Waterside will reserve camping areas dedicated to Swallowboats.
My preference is Waterside Farm but others may prefer Parkfoot (let’s not start quoting Latin re. differences of taste or even impossible Greek). I suggest individuals camp/B&B/hotel wherever they choose but meet on the water or the beach alongside Waterside Farm, where there is plenty of room, at 10am on Saturday.
Please book your own camping/B&B/hotel but let me know who/what/when/where before the rally. Campsite contact details are on the sheet attached. Please let the campsite know you are taking part in the Swallowboat Rally and ask them to allocate you a place in a reserved area.
I inquired about a Saturday night meal at the Sun Inn at Pooley Bridge – about 1 to 2 miles from the campsites. The person I spoke to was uninspiring - they could do a meal for up to 30 people (maybe not enough places?) at about £15/head. A summer menu was not available but judging from the winter menu it seems fairly standard pub food. Alternatively the Parkfoot C&C Restaurant was more amenable and can take over 40 people in one area, is open to non-residents, and is in easy walking distance to both Waterside farm and Parkfoot campsite areas. The food on offer is basic steaks/pizza/beefburgers £8-£15 a main course. I suggest we book tables at the Parkfoot Restaurant. Comments please.
Please let me know your plans - here or I can be emailed directly at peacockhope at gmail dot com
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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I can't remember how what your gainful employment is, Matthew, but Efficiency is clearly part of it! Thank you for going to all that trouble. Both sound OK to me (I won't be camping), but I think the launching facilities at Waterside probably swing it? I'm happy with that, and the meal at Parkfoot.
I'll organise my own B&B. I won't be able to come up on Friday, so if I haven't arrived by the time the Armada sails on Sat am (I'll make an early start!), I'll catch you up down the lake (does the arrogance of the man know no bounds?).
Looking forward to it.
Michael
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I agree with Michael on all counts. I'll be in a b&b too.
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Sounds good Matthew
Regret that I have to be at work that W/E so won't be able to come. I am suitably envious
Regards
Gareth
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Many thanks for the recce.
Matt has assured me that my expedition will be ready in plenty of time so Mary and I are looking forward to lake trials. We have booked to stay in a B&B in Pooley Bridge and look forward to meeting you all at Waterside Park and the evening meal at PC&C.
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Matthew
Many thanks for the thorough recce. I'll be camping - I don't know if I can resist the car wash!
Alistair
BR20 032
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Matthew,
Many thanks for all your organisation, we would love to join you all for a weekend in the Lakes.
We are also taking part in Sail Caledonia and like your idea of using Ullswater as a staging post. Are you still thinking of doing this and, if so, do you have any plans yet for boat storage?
Helen
BRe Skylark
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Re: Boat Storage, both Parkfoot and Waterside will store boats for a couple of weeks, and at similar cost (£50 for 2 weeks) but both at owners risk. The storage area at Parkfoot in my opinion is rather remote from the main buildings and out of sight but still accessible to passers-by. Boats at Waterside Farm will be closer to the main buildings and are likely to be more visible and so possibly more secure. Many years ago I used to store my Drascombe Coaster at Waterside Farm and never had a problem but of course I left it well covered up with no valuables on it and the trailer wheel-clamped. I'll probably leave my boat at Waterside Farm ready to pick-up en-route to Sail Caledonia 2 weeks later.
Thanks you for your responses so far to Michael, Graham, Rory & Mary, Alistair, Helen & Chris. I am sorry you cannot make it Gareth - I hope your work is not too onerous. I'll raise a summary sheet of who is staying where and doing what and with what boat in a couple of days.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Thanks for the information Matthew.
We plan to arrive on the Friday evening and will be staying at Waterside in a campervan.
Looking forward to meeting you all,
Helen
BRe Skylark
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Attached is my current information on who is attending. Please confirm your details via this forum or privately if you wish by either email to matthew.L.peacock at gmail dot com or via the forum message system.
Also attached is the Campsite Comparison list with contact details for campsites and restaurant. Please see my posting on 20th Feb on this thread for explanation if required.
Thanks
Matthew Peacock
BR20 Gladys
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I Matthew, thanks for all your efforts organising this.
I will be going along and have booked up at Waterside for Friday/Sat, and will be booking a place in the Parkfoot restaurant for saturday evening. My wife will also come along although she doesn't sail.
Having no pretensions of even keeping with, let alone catching up a load of BRs with experienced crews, I will be happy to wait for Michael & Cavatina.
Now I just need to get a towbar on our campervan or I will just be watching from the shore!
Steve
Storm15 - Robin
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Steve, I've probably opened my mouth and put my foot in it, otherwise known as showing off. Reprehensible, and I'll get my come-uppance I'm sure. One thing I'm certain of is that if we have light winds on Ullswater in May, it will definitely be you waiting for me. For two reasons: first, because my experience of Storm 15s is that they have amazing, sneaky performance in light winds, especially going to windward (I wonder why). Secondly, conversely Fs 1- 2 1/2 are junk rig's worst conditions: it needs a reasonable blow really to go.
But hey, whatever, I'm sure we'll have a great time regardless. Looking forward to meeting you both in May at Ullswater.
Michael
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Look forward to meeting everybody too. My campervan is now fully equipped, so will not be stranded on the shore!
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Matthew,
I regret that i am no-longer able to make this weekend. Several conflicts at this time but the major one being my son's GCSE's starting in earnest earlier than expected, immediately after this weekend. So 1, I lose a crew member; 2, can't justify being away rather than assisting with revision; 3, can't convince that effective revision and preparation will be done whilst travelling 4 to 5 hours each way/camping/sailing!
I hope you have a great time and maybe i can join the next one.
For those that will be at the Rutland Rally I will see you there.
Simon
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Hi Simon, thanks for keeping me informed. Good luck to your son with his GCSEs and at least we'll see you at Rutland.
The current good weather may have increased campsite bookings, so may I suggest that anyone wishing to attend stake their claim to a camping spot and Saturday night dinner soon. Campsite details are attached again here if you need them.
Matthew
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Hi Mathew
Sorry for the late booking. I trust you have room for A Storm 15
I hope to leave "IONA" at Waterside or Pakfoot on Friday. Which is the best?
Regards Terry Cross
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Hi Terry, I am delighted you will be joining us. I am hoping Robin, another Storm 15,will be with us too.
In my opinion Waterside is the better place to leave boats because weekday storage is closer to an active area at the back of the farm buildings whereas at Park Foot they would be in a remote field where unwanted interference less likely to be seen. Storage at both sites is at owners risk and costs are similar.
Would anyone else coming please book there places directly with the campsite and for Sat dinner at Parkfoot and also let me know. For details please see the campsite comparison that I attached to my post on this thread in February.
Matthew
BR 20 Gladys
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Just a week to go before the Ullswater rally and so far four BR20s and two Storm 15s plus the delightful Cavatina are confirmed. It’s never not too late for more! Please let me know if you are or might be coming.
Attached is a map of Ullswater showing Waterside and Parkfoot at the North end and Glenridding at the South.
From individual discussions at the excellent Rutland meeting a sail-in-company (which some may treat as a race) commencing 10.30am from Waterside Farm and ending on the beach just beyond the steamer pier at Glenridding might be popular. So that the Bayraiders don’t have it all their own way I suggest that the Bayraider crews only might be “handicapped” by landing to the beach at Howtown to find out the number of bars on a gate or similar useless information from the shore. First to arrive at Glenridding buys everyone else ice-creams. Mine’s a Mr Whippy 99 Flake please. Then picnic lunch on Glenrridding beach and, hopefully, a leisurely sail down-wind back to Waterside.
Everyone is welcome to join the Saturday evening meal at the Park Foot restaurant – please phone and book your seats directly with the Restaurant tel 017684 86309 and mention you are with the Swallow Boats party. The food is less refined than at Rutland but the restaurant and bar are within walking distance of both Waterside and Park Foot campsites – probably Pooley Bridge too if that is where you are staying.
Some time ago a practical man-over-board recovery trial was mooted on the forum. Maybe we could do this on Sunday morning. I’ll take my dry-suit.
If anyone has other ideas or feels this smacks of over-organisation, then please say.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Matthew
Sorry I can't come to Ulswater - work commitments next W/E. Do I spot some Teifi Rally tactics creeping in to your agenda - re number of bars on a gate!?
Regards
Gareth
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You are correct Gareth - the "bars on a gate" idea referred to in my post of 3rd May comes from your well organised and enjoyable Teifi Rally last year. What a shame you cannot be with us at Ullswater next week.
If anyone has further good ideas for Ullswater please let me know. If you prefer your communication not to be public please use the forum message board or email me at: mpeacock at activeppp dot com.
Matthew
Gladys BR20
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I don't think you could be accused of over-organising us, Matthew! Anyway we could always include a keel-hauling session for anyone who steps out of line, perhaps following the MOB practice.
Come on, ditherers, come and join us! It's going to be great fun.
Michael
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Hi Guys
We're planning on coming - me and John. We'll camp at Waterside - you'll see the tepee ;D. We'll get there Friday, not too late I hope.
I tried to book at ParkFoot but they don't take bookings - that said they don't have any large party bookings next weekend so we should all be ok.
Thanks to all of you who have put this together.
BR20 New Hope
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Just remembered - can we/should we bring the outboard or is Ullswater, like Bala, a sail only lake?
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Hi Paul. Outboard motors are permitted on Ullswater but speed is restricted to 10mph.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Thank you. If I rev mine right up while on a reach with a good wind in the sails, I could get a speeding ticket! They have speed radar on Windemere ;D
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Hi Matthew, I have just spoken to parkfoot to book 2 places for next saturday evening. They said they were confused as to how many to expect. I guess they haven't tied up all of the individual bookings. I hazarded a guess that thee would be about 18 or so but that would not include any partners not indicated on your spreadsheet. It me be a good idea to have a roundup of those attending so we can give the an overall number. I am happy to call them back if you wish.
The "Robin" party is two.
Glad that Terry is coming along. Will be good to compare the boats.
regards
Steve
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I am guessing about 10 boats may be at Ullswater. The current attendance list is attached with my current information - please let me know if I need to add or delete anything. We may have some prospective Swallow Boat owners, so spare crew may be available without a press gang. And we'll have less talk of keel-hauling please Michael.
As Steve has pointed out, Parkfoot Restaurant need approximate numbers for Saturday evening. I have told them to expect between 20 and 30 but it would be nice to be more exact. Please make sure you phone them to book your place - unless you have a romantic assignation at the Sharrow Bay Hotel of course.
Matthew
Gladys BR20
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Thanks Matthew. "another" is Karen.
Regards
Steve
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Hi Steve, Karen is now on the list plus Paul and John with BR20 New Hope.
Matthew
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Hi Matthew,
We also intend to eat at Parkfoot with you all on Saturday night. I have just rung them but the lady I spoke to didn't know anything about the group booking - I guess it depends who answers the phone. We plan on arriving late afternoon on Friday and have booked the campsite.
Helen & Chris
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Hello Helen. ParkFoot staff are quite relaxed, I have spoken to Mark at ParkFoot who knows what is happening.
Matthew
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Participants may find the attached chart useful.
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Wow Graham. A map from 1893! My local lake is 20 years old! No soundings mapped that I could find. The nice lady in the bait shop stated that " the lake is mostly really deep!". My reply was " thank you. But it is normally the shallow bits that make me nervous".
David
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I'm going to have to miss the Ullswater do this week end. The boat is not up to it, I'm afraid. The owner ain't so bad these days - but I haven't got a split in my hull. Least ways I didn't last time I looked.
Thanks for the chart - sorry- Map, Graham. A Bartholomew's One inch to the mile, is it? The 1900 font and coloured topography brought back memories of ill-equipped teenage weekends up Kinder Scout with one of they.
We got caught up there in low cloud on one occasion - no compass, of course - and nearly walked off one of the Tors at Grinds Brook. We were soaked to the skin and found refuge in the Nags Head but got ourselves thrown out (once dried off and chastised by the barmaid) for being underage and too stupid not to act like it!
Four lessons learned in one day: 1. A map is no good without a compass and someone who knows how to use it. 2. Falling into a peat hag is amusing for the audience but not the participants. 3. Keep dry! Hypothermia makes you do dangerous things. 4. The tolerance of Derbyshire barmaids has limits so don't push your luck!
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Hi Tony,
I am on my own (for the sailing) if you wanted to come and didn't mind slumming it in a Storm 15.
Steve
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Tony forgot to ask about the crack in the hull. Hope is isn't too serious. Is Four Sisters in ply or grp?
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Thanks Graham, no jokes about age please, but its amazing how few major features have changed since 1893.
Attached is a much less attractive modern map but with important info such as isolated rocks, rights of way, car parking and public loos.
Sorry you have a sick boat Tony but glad you are not similarly afflicted. Hopefully we will see you and Four Sisters at Bala.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Weather forecast at 15:00 Thurs 8th for Penrith on Sat and Sun is roughly Wind SW 15mph gusting 23mph, broken cloud and showers 11Degrees C according to.
www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/pooley_bridge
www.windfinder.com/weatherforecast/penrith_cumbria
and
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2640416
According to the Daily Express headline this morning it is 60mph gales! I glanced at this on a Newsagent shelf but I have a policy of not looking too closely at unpleasant publications on newsagents' shelves.
I will be there with a drysuit and towel but I fully understand if people prefer sailing in good weather so no disgrace if you choose not to come but please let me know if you are not coming or especially arriving after 10.30am Sat morning, so that we can look out for you. My phone is 0785 606 3284.
Please note:
This is an informal event and safety, legal and financial risks are entirely the participants'.
There is no rescue boat organised
The wind on Ullswater can be very gusty and variable in direction
There are shallow places and even nasty off-shore rocks (not all easily seen) - see map attached
Lake Steamers go faster than they look and should be allowed right of way, particularly at landing stages at Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glen Ridding.
Other lake users, swimmers, wind surfers, sailboats and canoes may not be familiar with the rules of the road.
I will not be holding a formal briefing meeting (unless someone else more qualified would like to preside) so please pass the word.
But apart from having a safe two days the main objective is enjoyment.
I shall arrive at Waterside late Friday afternoon and look forward to meeting fellow hardy Swallow-boaters.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Hi Steve & Mathew
I shall be coming as we have paid for three nights B&B. As I am single handed and due to the forecast I would not mind doubling with Steve in IONA or in ROBIN. It will be safer!
Terry "IONA"
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Hi Terry, I will go along with that. We could give both boats a spin for comparison. If the weather is really as horrible as forecast, a shorter program may be needed for those in really open boats (or am I just being wimpy?)
Look forward to it anyway.
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Hi Tony,
I am on my own (for the sailing) if you wanted to come and didn't mind slumming it in a Storm 15.
Steve
Thanks for the very kind offer, Steve but resigned to chainsawing the (literal) log jam on the back drive this weekend.
Hope the weather isnt too vile in the Lakes.
I would have liked a ride on a S15 to see what they are like. Looking for a smaller boat to let the grandchildren run riot in. There's a little lake in the middle of Sherwood Forest not 5 mins from my house (Four Sisters is too big for it, apparently) ideal for an hour or two on a summer evening rather than the full trek out to Carsington. A S15, Trouper or something similar would be my choice but probably end up with anything cheap I can get locally.
Thanks again.
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Hi Tony, the weather was pretty bad but did get some sailing in. There were half a dozen BRs, Michael in his Trouper, and Terry and I in our Storm 15s. I found the conditions just beyond my skills for singlehanded sailing and after an hour or so headed for home. Terry concurred and we both went out after lunch in Iona, and had a good couple of hours, with Terry using me as an improvised spray shield!
The rest faired better and have posted some pictures of the fleet returning in the Gallery.
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Sorry you didn't have more fun, Steve.Thanks for the pictures. The one of Cavatina with full sail and wind aft records her having been chased downwind by the entire BR/BC/BRe fleet from Glen Ridding 7 miles away, and only two of them managed to overtake her. I'm no-end chuffed, but perhaps an account should come from someone else. (And I do know that downwind is not a BRs strong point.)
It was a shame the two Storms found the squally wind conditions on Saturday too much - entirely understandable when I think back to my Storm Petrel days. Sailing conditions were VERY variable on both days, and different on different parts of the very long lake. We had everything from zephyrs to F5-6, and variable wind direction too. The sail to Glen Ridding (or is it Glenridding?) on Sat was quite hairy at times. Add to that rain, from spatters to driving downpours, over both days, typical stunning Lake District atmospherics (not been to the LD for about 2 years, and had forgotten how extremely beautiful it is), and even some sunshine, and .....well, whoever wasn't there missed a treat!
The food and company on Saturday evening were both enjoyable, especially the company.
It rained a bit miserably first thingish next day, but I have to say I was a bit mystified when nearly everyone took off home on Sunday morning....?? Which left Rory, with his beeootiful brand-new boat (maiden voyage on Saturday!) with a beautiful-but-unpronounceable-Gaelic-name (sorry, Rory, can't even attempt it, but it sounds as lovely as your boat looks) and Cavatina plus muggins. We met up for lunch at ******, and had some really good sailing before and after that. Mustn't go on about Cavatina but had some brief fun with a Laser Stratos with three up: friendly smiles and 'lovely boat!' in my direction, until they realised we were planing alongside and gaining on them, when frantic sail adjustment and really surprised looks took over. Then they saved face by altering course.
It absolutely tipped down while I was packing up on Sunday evening.
BIG thanks to Matthew for organising, and to everyone there for being such good company.
Michael
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The ****** in the previous post is Howtown. Brief senior moment about the name, and then I forgot (in a second senior moment) to go back and fill it in when I had remembered.
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BIG thanks to Matthew for organising, and to everyone there for being such good company.
Seconded!
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Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed sunday as well. I didn't say that it wasn't fun. It was a lot better 2 up in the Storm though (especially with Terry driving). Terry seemed quite chuffed to exceed 6mph as shown on the gps both up and downwind.
Having a bucket load of water straight in the face every time we ploughed into a wave was very invigorating!
Nice to meet everyone
Steve
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Thanks from this single hander to so many for an excellent meet at Ullswater - for organising the event, for the photos, for launching and recovery, fending me off, etc., etc. Some exhilarating sailing.
John
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Thanks especially to Matthew for organising the weekend.
It was so good to sail with other Raiders. I was considering selling the boat but after such a great weekend (yes the strong winds were fun, and the rain did not matter) we're keeping it. What was really great, apart from the company, was that we could sail in conditions where most dingy sailors do not go out, so we sailed where if I has gone to Bala we would have stayed onshore (again).
Thanks again.
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My thanks to all for a great weekend. I've added a few photos mostly taken on Sunday some of which may be of interest to Michael R.
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I've posted a video on Youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqE3L77EAHg .
The soundtrack is silent but astute viewers may be able to lip read what some of the sailors said - mostly "shiver-me-timbers".
I'd like to add a music track, I though "Cavatina" by John Williams would be appropriate considering how Michael's Cavatina performed so well but I cannot find this music track without copyright.
I've also added some photos to the forum gallery.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Nice video Matthew. Looks cold, but fun. :)
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Excellent, Matthew. Glad you got some rare footage of a Storm 15 under sail.
Thanks for all the organising, it was a great weekend.
Steve
S15 Robin
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Hi Michael, see you are on at the moment. Great pictures of you in Cavatina.
I am just proceeding with blocking up that outboard well. The plug I made fitted nicely, just a bit of sanding to do now, oh and also that little scrape!
Bad news though, Jotun only do paint in 5 L tins now. still it costs about the same as 750ml of International.
Did I see you were looking for an outboard? I have a hardly used, but not new, Yamaha F2.5 long shaft to find a new home for. Will probably post it in the boats for sale section.
Steve
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Thanks, Matthew!
As always, I guess, photos and videos of these occasions tend not to show the most 'interesting' (i.e. hairiest) moments because those wielding the cameras have other things to do at such times - keeping the boat upright, the odd reef, avoiding dropping expensive kit into the water swilling around the boat (temporarily of course), protecting ditto from driving rain. So thanks to Matthew and the others for reminding those of us who were there how varied and 'interesting' and FUN it was: and nudging those not there to come next year. I would certainly do it again, Ullswater is beautiful and challenging.
Michael
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Hallo again, Steve.
I realise I hadn't picked up on your kind comments - my apologies.
I must say I have enjoyed Matthew's action shots of Cavatina. Pity about the ancient mariner at the helm. I was recently given one of those baseball type caps with 'Old Sea Dog' on it. I suppose that about sums it up.
Jotun not less than 5 litres a punt?! That's ridiculous. I've a small amount of both the top-coats I used, plus enough (I hope) of the B compound (=hardener), for my likely touch-up etc needs. And I invested in a large pack of 10 ml syringes, which I use for accurate mixing of small amounts of both two-pot paint and West epoxy, for those small 'improvement' jobs around the boat. I'm out of Jotun epoxy primer, but I use West epoxy instead which, apart from having no colour in it (so about one extra coat of top-coat needed) seems to work well as a priming coat. But if I ever need to buy more - five litres!! Perish the thought/need.
An outboard? - thanks for thinking of me, but I'm holding out for a Torqeedo, when/if finances allow it (!). Probably irrational, but I don't fancy hanging a heavy, smelly i/c engine on the transom of my little boat (am I some sort of snob? No need to answer that).
I think we cross paths again at the Bala jolly in June? - look forward to it.
Michael
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Thanks Michael,
I have decided to take advantage of the good weather and fit that plug to my o/b hole.
The overall shape seems pretty good. Once I have done I am going to give it a coat of the Jotun vinylguard silvergrey 88 as a barrier coat and topcoat it with Rylard enamel. I had better get a move on as Bala not very far away.
The Hardtop Flexi is putting up a good fight to my sanding efforts. It takes a long time to get down to the primer, as you say, it's pretty tough!
I have half a tin on the Penguard HB primer and activator which you are welcome to if you want it as well as some white Hardtop Flexi should you fancy a stripe. I won't be using these now.
I can bring them to Bala for you if you like.
Maybe this should be in the home builders area.
Steve
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Many thanks to Mathew for an enjoyable weekend , despite the weather. I have now fitted a spray hood to keep Steve dry.
Terry C IONA
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brilliant! I can leave the snorkel and flippers behind then.