Hello from Newcastle

[markbatey]

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

[Michael Rogers]

Welcome, Mark!

Might you manage the Ullswater 2015 gathering? If so, see you there.

Happy sailing - the most enjoyable pastime in the world IMHO.

Michael

[David Hudson]

Hey Geordie boy see you in Scotland!

pm sent

[markbatey]

Yes, I think next years Ullswater get-together looks nailed on, put us on the list. And Scotland, well, I keep looking at the boatlaunch website for likely looking slipways up the west coast for day trips out.

Just had a lovely day on Derwent Reservoir for the first time, where we managed not to make total fools out of ourselves for a change, so we are now back home with a glass or two celebrating.

I have a couple of techie questions, but I'll put up a separate post about them.

Thanks for the welcome, see you soon

M