Are you frustrated at having to  react to Hollowell’s fluky wind?  Do you have a trapeze, or a spinnaker and long to use them over a reasonable distance without constant headers?  Are you a windsurfer longing to get hook in to your harness?  If so -  set aside this day for a cruise on Europe’s largest man-made lake. 

 

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

 

This is a “cruise in company” where we “buddy sail” and keep an eye on each other.   Competent windsurfers are welcome too.  We traditionally sail the North Arm in the morning and the South Arm in the afternoon.  Distances are around 5 and 7 miles respectively.   The day sailing base at Whitwell provides plenty of sheltered space for rigging and parking.

 

If you can sail round Hollowell and get back you can probably cope.   This is a great opportunity to expand your sailing experience in beautiful surroundings with the support of people you know.

 

WAYFARERS CRUISING TRAINING

 

Sign up for the 5 & 6 June 2010 weekend of Wayfarer Cruising Training to understand more about special preparations.  These will certainly include being prepared to reduce or drop sail quickly, checking buoyancy, rigging and drainage.

 

 

      STRONG WINDS

      A strong Westerly can raise surprisingly large waves.  Rutland Water can become rough in fresh winds compared with our own sheltered lake - but this might be why you want to go!!   It is still much safer than tidal estuaries or coastal waters.  There is general rescue cover but NOT dedicated to us.  Those of us with VHF radio can call up the rescue service.  Both Whitwell and the Rutland Sailing Club operate safety boats.

 

MEALS

 

Meals include bringing a picnic lunch and barbecue dinner.  Maybe Helen’s famous scones will make another appearance around tea time too.    

 

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE?

 

See pages 12 & 13 of the Summer 2008 Mainsheet for answers to many other questions and contact Mike Playle

(email: wuffa@tiscali.co.uk) if you are interested.