Published by the Open Canoe Sailing Group

race around a figure of eight course was held, taking in two islands, about 3 miles in total. The final placings are somewhat distorted, because KeithM had his mind on his camper van, hence DaveT got very close to winning a race. Finally, BillyB went out fishing with his father and caught a pike, a perch and a fine trout, which his mother dutifully cooked for tea - the sort of triumph that lives forever with a young man. A fitting conclusion to a very enjoyable weekend.

On Monday morning the group dispersed, some heading further north to indulge in more canoeing. Loch Ken's waters, and the Galloway Sailing Centre, served the OCSG group well. Hopefully others will find the venue worthwhile in the future.

Wharram Outrigger Canoe (RoyB)

Great interest was aroused by Peter's Wharram outrigger canoe with crab claw sail, a gracefully

exotic creation. He normally sails it in Chichester Harbour and now feels confident to venture out in windy conditions - a seaworthy craft, in fact. On the question of windward sailing his answer was suitably unconventional: don't bother with a windward destination until the wind changes and in the meantime go somewhere else. This, he admits, is a non-western mode of thought. But it does make some progress into the wind, when he often uses his paddle as a sort of leeboard. As for steering, with the sail trimmed appropriately no rudder is really needed. He regards the canoe as versatile since it is easy to paddle and can carry three people. Also good for fishing from, as his son Billy would testify.

PeterB all ready to go in his elegant craft.

Super Sunart (RoyB)

"We could at least run up the loch and try paddling or even beating back", said Sue, as we stared out at the white-topped waves marching in rows down the middle of the water. So, setting the 14 sq ft mizzen on the mainmast for'ard on our two canoes, we ventured out - not too far from the shore. Soon we were bowling along in fine style, although the slightly quartering sea caused a disturbing twisting motion when a particularly large wave slid past. Suddenly a head with two large eyes popped out of the dark water 20 ft. before me: a seal! My excitement was dampened, however as the wind strengthened, so we decided to land on an island for respite, which proved that beating was not an option, and even paddling windward could prove awkward. By now at least six seals had come to observe these eccentric beings at close quarters. We sat on the grass and munched our lunch surrounded only by trees, water and mountains. In the end we beached the canoes on the loch side, Sue jogged back to the campsite and returned with car plus trailer, whilst Geoff and I hauled everything up to a roadside car park and gratefully drank the tea which three picnickers offered us.

Thus began two days splendid sailing on Loch Sunart. The well-appointed campsite at Resipole Farm lies almost directly by the beach and slipway, and boasts a pub-cum-restaurant offering tasty meals. It is a beautiful spot. In the afternoon, as the wind eased and the sun came out, DaveT and I spent a couple of hours out on the water, for a while hove-to by a group of seals basking on the rocks by the far shore. Our presence put them slightly on edge, but they stayed put. What an experience! Sue and friend Geoff did some exploring in their sea kayaks.

Day two dawned overcast and breezy. We opted for a beat down the loch, calling in at Salen at the end of its delightful narrow bay. The wind, as before, maintained a steadier flow than is often the case in the Lake District. Lunch was taken with NoelineT at Salen, where gnats and showers had hampered her painting. (Incidentally, the midges hardly bothered us.) We tacked seawards once more, but after an hour or so some of us felt a call of nature, so we landed on a tiny, steep beach. Getting off was tricky, what with waves, onshore wind and threatening rocks. By then the sky, it seemed, was darker, the wind stronger, so we headed downwind for home. And the world was transformed - quieter, easier, smoother, brighter! An exhilarating broad reach between the hills.

For me, this is the peak of canoe sailing, when what I've learnt and practised at regular meets is put to the test with friends in new, handsome surroundings. My thanks to SueB for suggesting the trip and to her, Geoff, Noeline and Dave for their company. The journey back to Huddersfield took 8 hours (with trailer). The previous two good days at Loch Ken meant that I had enjoyed four excellent days' sailing that week. I intend to return to both lochs next year.

Liability And Insurance (BernardO)

A word of caution from the chairman.
As a BCU-contracted course provider I am required to attend an update course every two years. It was at such a course in February this year that I was in a discussion group led by the Director of

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