There was a better wind than forecast to greet the fleet of 26 boats in today’s Laser open, and with the sun breaking through the clouds from time to time it was a pleasant day.

For a change the general wind direction was fairly steady, though there were some shifts on the water for sailors to contend with. Use of the I flag helped keep the starts clear with just two boats being called back in the first race.

Locals Robin Dawson and Dave Lawson took an early lead and battled it out, but once Dave was through to the lead there was no catching him, and he reinforced this by winning all three races and the overall trophy.

A limited number of crews turned up to view the light conditions but, as the wind was fading, no one was keen to rig. �So the OD hoisted Flag N and competitors prepared for the early meal being prepared by Val.

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It was yet another superb Thursday evening. �But a fairly strong easterly wind was blowing before the start and the Safety Officer felt there should be two safety boats out for which he and Martin provided crew prevented both of them from racing. �With sufficient wind the OD selected a long course; 5-3-1-0 for the 15 boats competing.

The leading group of Joe, Mike & Eric and Val & Ken were closely bunched and switching positions. �Then came John�s Solo, James & Jenny�s 2000 and Mathias� Laser.

By the end of the second beat the wind had dropped considerably. �The front runners finished in around 40 minutes but those further back were marooned in holes. �Bob accepted a tow from the safety cover, but others persevered with John�s Pico and Katia�s Mirror taking over 70 minutes to finish.

This week a professional chef was manning the galley

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This Saturday 12th May 2018�we are encouraging newcomers to get on the water. Visitors can try�out single handed sailing dinghies, double handed boats,�kayak, rowing boat, keel boat � all free.

They will be able to park in our ample grounds, have a picnic, go for a stroll, buy snacks and drinks, and admire the glorious views over Bassenthwaite Lake and surrounding mountains.

Encourage your friends and colleagues to come down and join in where they will be able to talk to club officials to find out what we offer, and what it will cost. Also, they will find out that we offer tuition to adults and youths over 8�years on learning to sail, as well as powerboat courses to adults and teenagers, and first aid courses.

All in all we need members’ help, to encourage new interest by inviting friends/colleagues, and by being around to act as ambassadors for the club.

We are looking for as much new interest and help as possible.

We hope you’ll be a part of it.

The stand in Bates helm realised tonight that the Bates drifts if you don’t let out a lot of rope for the anchor….

With the winds heavier than forecast it looked to be an exciting race. The OD had opted for a course of 0-A-4-1 to give some reaches and try out the new buoy for A. Paul Gannon was planning his topper up and down the start line and looked set to start on time. Unfortunately he had a capsize but undeterred started 5 and a half minutes late.

Alex and Olivia were first to the windward mark in their RS200�closely followed by Joe Roberts in his full rig Laser. It was difficult to get a clear view from the Bates to 0 because Andy Smith and Katya had capsized their mirror and broke the centreboard trying to right it.

After 3 laps, several capsizes and�a few retirements�the OD shortened the course. Paul Gannon headed back in after rounding 4 on the last lap and Joe Roberts was cursing himself for not using his radial.

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It was cold out there. Very cold! Especially for Joe who capsized early in the first beat. �Thought of retiring?But No � I�m the Sailing Secretary and must show them who�s who!

It was John Reekie who led the fifteen starters at the windward mark. But his Solo was not a match for the Ethan�s 100 or Alex & Olivia�s 200 and he dropped back into mid field. �Ethan pulled away at the front but Ian /Mike Hunter in the FF had an ongoing battle with the Leonards for next up on the water.

After two laps Bob said I�ve had enough � think that�s what he said! �So the OD shortened. �Then came Katia Smith in her Mirror with father as novice crew � an impressive result with various boats behind in what was, probably, her first full race as a helm.

Of the three lap finishers the revelations were newcomers James & Jenny Macgregor in an L2000 who were fifth on the water. �And Hazel & James in the 200 who were next up deserve a mention!

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Entries are now open for The ONE Bassenthwaite Lake Sailing Week 2018.

The Bass Week team have been hard at work for many months to ensure that this years regatta will provide both members and visitors with yet another excellent event.

The racing programme will follow the usual format of 17 races – these being a mixture between small series, one off races and all fleet pursuits for dinghies with a PY in the range 847-1432.

This year also sees the introduction of “The Dragon Force Derby” for those of you with DF65 model yachts. This event should hopefully prove to be a popular addition for both the participants and spectators!

We have a full social programme planned with a very varied selection of evening events. So there should be something to suit everyone. More information will be given on arrival at Bass Week 2018 regarding the additional daytime and evening activities on offer.

We are very pleased to have Alfies Outside Caterers as part of the Bass Week team this year. They will be providing hot/cold meals, drinks and snacks throughout the racing days. The menus they have produced sound fantastic so they should keep us all very well fed and watered throughout the regatta. As usual there will be a welcome evening meal on Friday 3rd August which is a pre-bookable meal via your online entry.

If you have any food allergies or intolerances please could you let us know via [email protected] or comment via your online entry form, as the caterers are very keen to ensure that they can provide a service for everyone.

The Bass SC bar will be well stocked, and staffed throughout the week, and the introduction of a card payment system should make life easier when you run out of cash!

Our grounds team have worked hard throughout the winter and will continue to do so throughout the summer in the run up to Bass Week 2018. This will ensure that the club site is at its best for your arrival. We have already made several improvements to the site based on feedback from last year.

We hope to see many old friends returning for Bass Week 2018 and also many new faces. If you have any questions regarding the event or entry please contact us via [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you all in August. Happy Sailing.

Naomi Smith (Vice Commodore) and the Bass Week team.

The forecast southerly struggled to come to fruition. Sale Fell seemed to dominate whatever breeze might be available as there were many shadows and the wind came and went from numerous directions.

A fleet of 18 boats made the most of the occasional flurries of wind in the first race, but the outlook was bleak and the race shortened after the second beat.

15 boats were prepared to have another race, and, fortunately, the southerly bedded in. The course was kept small just in case the wind faded again.

Bean/Oliver won the first race, and Zefer the second, while Mik sailed consistently to take two 2nds on handicap and currently leads the series

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A few Bass sailors went to Ullswater YC for the 200 Northern tour. Usual fluky conditions on Saturday, very frustrating with the Commodore deciding to chuck his toys out of the pram and go home and watch the Grand national instead of doing race 3!

Sunday nice F3-4 and 4 races scheduled were sailed, even by the Commodore who finished as best Bass boat in 5th overall.

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Meanwhile congratulations go to the new Mr and Mrs Hunt on their wedding. They popped to the club for some scenic photos for their memorable day

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of long term member Jim Christie who sailed regularly with grand daughter Poppy.

Jim’s funeral service was held at Carlisle Crematorium on Monday 9th April 2018

Our thoughts are with his wife Ann, grand daughter Poppy, and the rest of Jim’s family at this sad time.

With the arrival of British Summer Time the sun was shining again, but there was no wind on the lake! However, the wind soon filled in from the west for some great sailing conditions to start the 2018 season.

Despite having had four months to prepare it seems that some people weren’t quite ready. John Reekie got his boat ready only to realise his rudder was still at home, so he didn’t make the first start. Mike and Kayla weren’t quite ready either, so they had the morning off finalising the boat.

14 boats did make it to the start line for some challenging racing in a two race series competing for the Starter’s Prize. While Steve and Ruth found the beats shifty and unpredictable, Scumper was disappointed to find that the wind died on him every time he rounded the windward mark! Steve and Ruth took a big enough lead to win the morning race with second going to Bean and Naomi who sailed most consistently, taking winning position in the afternoon, and the series trophy. With a 4th and a 2nd, Zefer finished 2nd overall, with Steve 3rd.

Neil Garrison took the honours in terms of being the first to capsize this season, but he wasn’t to be the only one. Bob Gate took a long dip before the start of the second race, and despite the benefit of a wet suit a long hot shower was on the cards. Finally Jim and granddaughter Poppy had to demonstrate their swimming skills!

New members James and Jennie Macgregor had gear failure that resulted in their main slipping down during the first race, so they had to make an early exit.

Despite the frustrations for some, a good start to the season. Here’s to a good one!

Final results