Richard Gillespie and family brought their 17’ Lune Longboat to join us with our 20’ double ended gaff cutter, and four other members of the Kielder Water Club for a ‘competitive cruise’ on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May.

It was a perfect day, with sunshine and a steady easterly f2-3 blowing up the lake.

We started from Leaplish at 11.30 am, craft under 15’ LOA going first (2 Mirror dinghies and a Loch Broome Post Boat), those over 15’ (a Lysander, the Gillespies and ourselves) starting 5 minutes later.

We beat down the lake leaving buoy no. 6 to starboard, no. 9 to port, and finishing at no. 7 in the Belling Burn. All arrived in good time and, sheltered by the trees, we ate our picnics basking in the sunshine.

After lunch we all set off for Leaplish, and leaving no. 14 to starboard, some went on to the head of the lake.

We might repeat the event next year, so if anyone would like to join us (gaffer or Bermudian), do get in touch next spring.

(NB: I am told that ‘competitive cruise’ is a name for a race without a safety boat. Ed.)