Laser, Solo and Tera Open 2023
Club Championship 2023
And they’re off!
The start of the sailing season was quite eventful. The Commodore was travelling up the motorway to be OD for the first day’s racing, but his car had other ideas! While waiting to be recovered, Ian was able to enjoy his coffee under blue skies…
Paul and Emily were planning to sail their RS200 only to find their gennaker, which they had made a mental note not to forget, didn’t make it to the club, so Paul sailed his Laser.
The club tractor was a reluctant participant too, not being easy to start. The lake was too deep for the starter’s wellies, so personal transport from the shore was required.
When everything was set, and starting sequence underway, the OD got a message to say the mark being moved broke from its mooring chain, so the AP was hoisted,� an alternate course set, and the race restarted!
The NE breeze was chilly, and though not as gusty as forecast, there were several capsizes throughout the day. Andy/Ian led the fleet in their F15, with Robin/Toggle, in a rekindled partnership, sharing a F15, keeping in touch most of the time. Banter was getting to grips with his RS300, and enjoyed some exciting reaches.
For a change, and to let sailors warm up, there was a break for lunch, before returning to the water for the 2nd and final race in the Starter’s prize series.
Andy/Ian were overall winners with Alex/Saskia in their Mirror 2nd.
Are you ready?
Where did the time go? The new sailing season starts on Sunday, and Andrea is keen to pull up some flags (will she remember where the toggle should be?), while Ian oversees�
Be there bright and early because the clocks go forward one hour for British Summer Time on Sunday morning.
Happy sailing!
Sad News
Sadly, and unexpectedly, longstanding member Don Ellam died yesterday morning at home despite amazing efforts by ambulance crews.
Don and his family will be remembered by older members for his involvement in the club.
Our thoughts are with his children at this sad time.
Don’s funeral will take place at Distington Crematorium at 1315 on Monday 27 March
A buffet will be available at Melbreak Hotel, Great Broughton from 1400
Club of the Year 2023
We are delighted to be a finalist in club of the year awards for 2023. If you�ve enjoyed your visits to Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, we would be equally delighted if you, and your family, would vote for us by clicking above.
Every vote counts. Thank you!
That�s it for another season
The weather was kind enough for the final day�s racing of the season.
Seven boats took to the water. There were mixed results over the two races but, overall, Alex in a Laser had a 2nd and a 3rd to create a three way tie on points with Phil/Oscar and Neil. The tiebreak resulted in Alex winning the Winter Series, with Phil/Oscar 2nd who won the series on a personal handicap basis.
Next Sunday the AGM will be held in the clubhouse. Papers have been circulated to all members.
More like winter
Following high winds and rain overnight, and a significant drop in temperature since last week, there was little sign of wind as sailors arrived, but they were keen to race. As rain came pouring n before the start, the breeze filled in as well.
Barbara in a Radial was on course side at the start and lost a lot of ground returning to start correctly. Banter/Oscar in their RS200 took a good lead but the wind faded again on the next beat, though it came back in time to be sent round for another lap.
Despite more rain, and less wind, which had swung to the SW three boats opted to race again, on a shorter lap! The wind continued to swing back and forth, and it eased for a while as well to the extent that the race was hurriedly shortened just as Barbara was about to complete her first lap. Fortunately the wind came back sufficiently for Banter, and Neil in another Radial, to finish in reasonable time.
On corrected time, all boats maintained their position on the water, putting Banter/Oscar into 1st place overall, with Neil 2nd. All to play for in next weeks final races of the series, and the season itself!
Winter series
Despite the forecast of strong gusts, and plenty of white horses to be seen in the SE wind, four helms turned up keen to have a race.
A shore based start was all that was required to get racing underway, and release the OD for some additional rescue cover!
There were various capsizes, not at the gybe mark, but all recovered to continue racing.
The wind eased between races but picked up by the end of the second race.
It�s surprising what effect sunshine and mild weather have on sailors� desire to race!