Published by the Open Canoe Sailing Group

Coniston - Somewhat Tarnished Pearl Of The Lakes (DaveT)

As co-ordinator for this meeting I invited members, promising fun, sailing, cream teas, sunbathing. The latter proved to be a signal to the rain gods to perform unabated for three days and nights.

Noeline and I arrived at 12 p.m. on Friday in torrential rain with a forecast for a very wet and windy weekend. At 3 p.m. we saw our first member arrive (much to our relief) only to be told that he was not alone. In fact there was a party going on in his caravan and awning on the caravan site adjoining the Old Hall campsite. Those taking part in the fun were BernardO, JimB, MartinO, JamesB and hosts Joyce & WalterG. The Caravan Club had reserved an area for the OCSG, which met with great approval by those who chose this alternative. Various other members did use Old Hall and one member opted for a cosy B+B, which he highly recommends (contact the editor for details).

Saturday dawned very wet, but a good steady sailing wind blew. 18 craft assembled on the shore, plus the latest model from the Solway Dory workshop, which attracted a lot of interest but was awaiting the arrival of its new owner before we were to see it perform. A trip to Peel Island for lunch was agreed and eventually a fleet headed south. One by one many boats turned back, deterred by the heavy rain and the constant bailing of rainwater from the bilges. The more stalwart did the full trip and some even carried on to the lower end of the lake, sailing some 14 miles for the return trip. The wind ensured some quick journey times and exciting moments, running before the wind and surfing along on wave tops. Those who had curtailed their trip went on to visit cafes on the lake shore, consuming numerous cream teas with much talk of boaty things in the usual OCSG style, thus everyone making the most of a very wet day at Coniston. The evening brought the usual gathering at a local pub for a meal, pints and gossip.

Sunday... oh dear!! The continuous rain was now swept on by strong winds, large waves, galloping white horses and even stronger gusts. The planned gathering at 10 a.m. on the shore for race briefing was circumvented by KeithM plying members with cups of tea and shelter under the awning of his motor home. We agreed to abandon racing for the day, allowing those who wanted, to depart early for long journeys without forfeiting any ranking points. Those who so wished could sail, and test their mettle in the very demanding conditions.

The trimarans of Walter and Bernard were first off the mark, enjoying the conditions due no doubt to the very seaworthy design and construction by Solway Dory. A few real canoes also ventured out and demonstrated the considerable skill some OCSG'ers have acquired in their canoes. To conclude, a few new members arrived at this meeting, and whilst they were unable to get the best out of their outfits in the very trying conditions, each agreed that they had gained from the experience and look forward to another 'fun' weekend. One of our more sensitive colleagues commented

(Top photo) Using your skill & judgment indicate with a cross the happy OCSG member as racing is abandoned at Coniston. £1 million prize if successful.

WalterG (second photo), with sail reefed down to a handkerchief, paddles off the shore. The windward float is already well clear of the water in Sunday's wind. He seemed to enjoy the challenge, spending well over an hour out on the lake. BernardO, in his trimaran, reefed rather less and returned much earlier from a difficult time out on the ocean wave.

EddieP (third photo) returns through the waves to the shore. He did not stay out long in the white horses, fearing a capsize if caught simultaneously by a strong gust and big wave.

The meet organiser (bottom photo) helps DaveS as he comes ashore. Even with the single 14 sq. ft. lugsail he found survival taxing.

on the beautiful effects the heavy raindrops created on the surface of the lake...

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the weekend. For my part, if I am asked to co-ordinate again I will try harder and promise not to mention sunbathing.

On Saturday DaveT's new homemade sail cut a very fine figure. He's changed the line of the foot slightly since Rother Valley and pronounced himself satisfied. It sets beautifully - I hope to include a photo in July or August's GOSSIP - Ed.

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