Rutland Water (again)

 

Another weekend, another opportunity for lake-based sailing trials with my new charge.

Winds were extremely light, sometimes non-existent.  But it was certainly a chance to try out an unreefed main for the first time!  I managed to get the lazy-jacks twisted when hoisting the mast and this tangled with the yard when raising the sail - another rigging point to check with greater care next time!

Rutland Water

 

It has been a frustrating half term week. With time set aside for sailing, a high pressure system has parked itself off the northwest of Scotland, fine for anywhere north and west, but sending cold and fairly brisk north easterly winds along the east coast.  So, planned cruising hasn’t happened.  But today, I finally broke away from home and dragged Daisy IV along to Rutland Water.

Winds were NE, F3-5.  Launching at Whitwell, I had immense fun cruising in the northern arm.

11.9nm

  

Maiden voyage

 

Single reefed, sailing up towards the Orwell Bridge

This was a perfect start, sailing with friends from Suffolk Yacht Harbour, up the River Orwell - actually part of a Drascombe Association rally, but just joining for the day.

Winds were NE F4 gusting upwards.  Rigging and launching went remarkably smoothly, with help from others, and utilising the launching cable on the steep slipway at SYH.

Ready to launch

Once launched, annoyingly little room for temporary berthing while parking car and trailer.

Double-reefed main - the sail has three reefing points.  For a first sail, I wasn’t exactly throwing caution to the wind…

Other participants at close quarters…

Beached for lunch opposite Freston Park

The return trip to SYH was reassuringly fast, and she held up well through the gusts.  The boat is stable and glides smoothly through the water.

A reassuring first sail; looking forward to future trips!