ULLSWATER APRIL 29TH - 1ST MAY 2006

As new members to the association, we set off from home near Leeds on Friday evening,
a little nervous about what to expect. At Ullswater Yatch Club, it quickly became clear
that this was a place where visitors are welcomed and help of every kind is offered.

We soon found a spot to pitch our tent in the small, but well kept camp site, much to the
interest of other campers there. No one had ever seen a tent quite so big being erected!
There are normally 6 of us my wife Catherine, Thomas, William, Edward, Georgina and I, so
we picked one that sleeps 16!!

A couple of drinks in the bar and we settled down to sleep. I was beginning to wonder if we
were at the right place as no other 13 or 16’s were obvious.

Saturday broke with clear air and bright sunshine, after showering I had a walk to the water,

and warm sunshine. I had a quick wander round and could only find one other boat. A littler later
a nearby tent, which had been pitched at about 1130 the previous night on something like a 1 in 4 slope
started to move as the occupant (John) unzipped the flysheet and slid out onto the grass.
By 9am John and I had met and I had been welcomed enthusiastically and had a map of Ullswater and some
other bits and pieces thrust into my hand and got the impression that I should not only read it, digest it,
but be prepared to answer questions later. William, Eddy, Georgie and I sorted out which bits each of us
would learn just in case, not wanting to look like amateurs.

By 1030 there was an obvious gathering of 13’s, 16’s and crews down by the water. They had apparently been there all night. I just hadn’t noticed them. There were actually 3 x 13’s, 3 x 16’s a Stratos and a Pico. Introductions were made and I was immediately struck by how friendly everyone was, there was certainly no pressure to be an expert and everyone chatted whilst the boats were prepared. I was especially impressed by John’s 16. He had a thing for everything, anchors, chains, a piece of plastic pipe to operate his outboard with, flares (I think sailing clothes would have been better!). I felt a bit under prepared! I had a boat and kids! By this time a breeze had picked up on the water, but was only about a force 1-2, the sun was still shining strongly though.

At 1100 all boats and crews were ready to launch. John, who had organised the weekend, gathered everyone
together for a briefing. This was kept essentials, just to let everyone know it wasn’t a race, where we were
going for lunch and what to look out for (hazards, scenery, etc….)

We launched the boat and tacked back and forth across the width of the lake until everyone was ready on
the water. By this stage the wind was a bit hit and miss, ranging between 0 and force 2.
We all set off
down Ullswater, it quickly became apparent that this was a loose group as a boat wandered off left another
right, but all going in the same direction. Our aim, given the lack of wind was Aira Point about 5 miles south
of our starting point near to the head of the lake, where a picnic was on the cards.

Going was slow, but the conditions allowed for a relaxing sail in warm sunshine and an opportunity to
play with the spinnaker. We’d only once before had our 16’s spinnaker up and found that it was not so simple.
One minute we were surging ahead of others and then on one occasion we had made such a mess of it that the
breeze was actually reversing us back up the lake!

The kids decided it was a good idea to tow something in the water so we could see how fast we were going.
And in which direction. So William wrapped up a tennis ball in rope (just like a Christmas pressie) and it
was hung out the back. Ever wished you’d not agreed to something? I’d done it now, everything that could float,
and some that couldn’t were attached to ropes and were now being pulled along. This was not doing much for our
credibility. I’m sure Georgie was eyeing me up to see if the rope would fit around my ankles.

Aira point arrived just in time, about 1pm, as by this time we were all hungry. The boats were beached
and everyone sorted out a spot on the grass. William unpacked the BBQ and before we knew it, burgers,
sausages and drinks were ready. A local café, a short walk away provided toilets and ice creams.
On our return to the beach I was impressed at how adept the association’s members are at sleeping on
lumpy grass.

A steady sail around Norfolk Island, a small rocky lump with a few desperate trees on it, marked the
furthest point of our sail today. A steady beat back up the lake, with one or two calm spots made for a 5pm
return to the sailing club. I noted that Alan and Jan in their 16 had consistently and very calmly out sailed
everyone, getting wind, where no wind was to be had.

As the boats were packed away, the first injury of the weekend occurred. I was unloading gear from the
locker, which had the lid propped open, stuck my head back in, just as the only wind of the day closed it for me,
making me see stars, tweety birds and cutting the bridge of my nose. I was very brave and didn’t cry! I instantly
heard a banging and rustling noise to my right and saw John rummaging amongst anchors, flares and ropes to appear
with a first aid kit, where a much welcomed tissue proved just the job.

It warmed my heart to have 3 of my children around me when this near death experience occurred. Who else would have
laughed so loudly and taken the mickey all night!

Later in the clubhouse we gathered for an evening meal of Roast beef, followed by sticky toffee pudding.
Meryl plumbed for the veggie option of roasted veg in tortilla wraps, prepared by the club and delicious
it was too. John pulled out the stops, arranging the committee room for us to eat in. When we returned to
our tent it was unanimous……”what a brilliant day!”

Sunday, 10am saw most down by the boats readying for another day on the water. The plan was to do the full lake.
Down to Glennriding and back up the entire length to Pooley Bridge, before returning to base. The weather was being
good to us with a steady (ish) force 2 running down the lake, where we wanted to be (more spinnaker practice).

Today saw 3 x 16’s, 2x 13’s and the Stratos head out once more for the southern end of the lake.
The briefing and all the chat assured us that this was not competitive and that the objective of the weekend was
the majesty of sailing, good company and the scenery. I started to notice (thought I had the day before) that
everyone said it wasn’t a race, but really it was. Little tweaks and adjustments being made, a smile, a wave,
a friendly word, then another minor adjustment a small tweak.

I was disappointed! Grown ups trying to pretend they weren’t racing. This certainly wasn’t big, nor was it clever.
Was I going to get involved ‘Hum bug’…………………..of course I was! This was important! Bruce and Angela hoisted their
own design asymmetric spinnaker on what I was told was a broom handle, it looked good. “Right. That does it!
Georgie / Edward up with the spinnaker.”

Straight away it got tangled, I climbed on the poop deck (don’t think it’s really called that) and tried to
untangle it. I became part of it, completely tangled in the sheets and after a short time……..yes, we were going backwards
Alan and Jan, again were still, calm and going faster than everyone else.
As we played and enjoyed the hot sun, the wind dropped to nil. We were becalmed in the true sense of the word.
Dick and Meryl in their 13 “Influenza” had found a little breeze near to the eastern edge of the lake and those
who could followed suit. We just sat there, and ashamed as I am we got out the paddles as heat stroke was
ecoming a possibility.

A breeze started to blow and we found ourselves on a gentle broad reach down to Glennriding where dark clouds
could be seen over the southern end of the lake. The wind had changed direction and was now blowing up the lake
and had turned very cold indeed.

We beached at Glennriding, just past the steamer pier, where we found a large concrete block submerged at just the
right spot to hit. Fortunately no damage done (except to pride).The wind had now picked up to a very cold force 3 -4
and the lake looked dark and a little unfriendly as the first glimpses of white crests were seen on the water.


We BBQ’d quickly, feeling a little better with warm food inside.
The run back up the lake was good fun in the conditions, with all boats moving along briskly. Alan and Jan sped off
and actually managed to make that much headway that we lost sight of them. (I must inspect their boat. Is there an engine?).
The run up the lake warmed our boats crew up, sufficiently that we ran the full length of the lake to Pooley Bridge.
(I’m writing this, so can mention that everyone else went in to get warm as they passed the Yatch Club and gave in.)
That evening the meal at the club was Lamb stew and DUMPLINGS. Dumplings, it was like my mum used to make!!! Brilliant.
The veggie option was Caramelised onion Quiche. Another great evening, with good banter, stories and humour,
before people drifted away to their beds.

Monday dawned with rain, cold winds and a very stern looking lake. Did we want to go sailing….Did we hell!
But John had promised games on the water, so how could we miss it. By the time we had rigged and launched the water
was being whipped up and a force 4-5 was blowing, with some strong gusts. I would have reefed, but no one else did
so I left a full sail up. It was tough going at times as the gusts can up the lake. The games were a set of races
with a fender or similar thrown in the water at Johns whistle and then boats only allowed to sail back for them on the hooter.
What a laugh! I sensed once or twice a little cheating going on, but John did say the only rule was that there were no rules.

After an hour or so we were beginning to feel the cold, games were over and a sail up to Pooley Bridge was opted for.
By the time we turned at the head of the lake the wind had picked up some more, so all the boats (we thought) headed
for shelter and safety. Landing was a tad hairy with a lee shore and a strong wind. As everyone helped each other, no
one notice that Dick and Meryl were not enjoying the fun. YES THEY WERE! They were having a swim…..’I didn’t think it
was that warm.’ Meryl went in with her wellies on and only managed to come out with socks. They had capsized (Meryls first time) and had been having some difficulties righting in the conditions, due to cleated
sheets and the like. This was all whilst the rest of us were patting each other on the back saying what a wheeze it had been. I felt a little
guilty, but they seemed to have enjoyed their swim.

What a weekend! In our car on the return trip to Pool in Wharfedale, tired, bruised, cut (nose) we all remarked what a
great time we’d had. What a top group of people we’d met and that we must do it again!




Bob Brayshaw