Here are comments from some of our many visitors
Bassenthwaite Sailing Week.
This year’s ‘Bass Week’ saw 12 Streakers in attendance the first weekend, and ten boats through the week. In sending this in for possible entry in the next ‘Splash’ it would be great if we could persuade a few more Streakers to make it to next year’s event (3rd to 11th August)
Bass Week started some forty odd years ago with the local GP14 sailors inviting Tynemouth GP14 people and from such lowly beginnings the event has become a major event in the sailing calendar. There are separate fleet starts for Flying Fifteen, National Twelve, Enterprise, Laser, GP14, Graduate, etc., but the Streakers are in with the RS200, Supernova, etc in the handicap fleet -unless of course we could have a turn-out of 15 boats or more, when I’m pretty certain the Bass Sailing Secretary will be pleased to grant us fleet status. Incidentally, some of our usual Streaker sailors (Alan Raistrick, Peter Miall, et al) were unable to make it this year so if they attend next year we’re almost there anyway.
Lake Bassenthwaite is the fourth largest in the Lake District and it goes without saying that the surrounding scenery is mind-blowing, and with the clubhouse situated at the northwest end of the lake directly facing Skiddaw you couldn’t wish for a more perfect spot. Catering is excellent, tents and caravans are in the club grounds, and there is a full social programme. Also a good programme for children, junior quiz, etc. The Commodore and a very hard working committee are extremely welcoming and are very generous with their trophies and prizes.
The sailing programme is made up of a first weekend event of 4 races (3 to count), then racing each weekday, including a ’round the lake’ race which is very popular given the right weather, then a final 4 races over the second weekend.
Derek Moss Str.1407.
A big thank you to everyone at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. It was the first time I’d raced at Bass (with Grandpa at the helm), and I enjoyed every second of it!
Thanks!
Edward Cooper (age 9)
If you want to find out about the antics and results this year then cast your eye over the following
There’s also some sailing pictures courtesy of Keith Clark – click here.
Overall Results – Graduate Nationals, Sunday 5th, Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th, Friday 10th, Weekend 11/12th
Sunday 12th
A warm, drying air freshened for the the final race for those that needed to secure their position in the series. For a change, awnings and tents were put away dry!
The Commodore thanked all those members that had organised and helped make the week a great success. Thanks were given to Storrar Marine for providing a chandlery service and sponsoring the Junior, Ladies and over 60s races, and to Harper and Hebson for sponsoring the junior race and sail training sessions throughout the week.
Special trophies were awarded to Bass sailors – The Miners Trophy went to William Carruthers for the best overall performance in the Flying 15 fleet over the whole week, and the HiJinx Trophy went to Tim Smith for the best overall performance by a sailor under the age of 19.
Commodore’s bare faced cheek! Well actually, he was showing a titchy bruise he suffered when he slipped over – he reckons he would not have hurt himself half as much if he’d not been sober at the time!
Saturday 11th
Wind and rain was the order of the day. As the rain moved in the wind increased. Some great sailing for those that ventured out. Numerous capsizes including a spectacular cartwheeling B14 sailed by Dave and Matthew Ovington! Others took the opportunity to pack up and leave early.
Many still had enough energy to dance the night away in the final disco.
Friday 10th
A fantastic sunset last night turned skiddaw blood red. A misty start was the prelude to a superb day.
In fact, it was nice enough for a wedding!
Thursday 9th
A glorious morning but no wind! The wind filled in and after a short postponement racing was under way.An excellent days racing even if there were a few holes in the wind.
Bridget’s really into her diary at the moment:
“Life’s really fun. Following recent successes, I’m being chased by the papparazzi! (Well the local rag really). Picture in the paper with a quote as well – but they didn’t have to tell everyone that I’m 38 did they? Just as well that I lied! Perhaps there will be autograph hunters tomorrow because we’re in the prizes again – triple yippee!!!”
The kids, young and old, were entertained by Jason the Juggling Jester.
Wednesday 8th
A cold, wet start had everyone wrapping up for the 3 race series for the Natwest Cup.
Another excerpt from Bridget’s Diary :
“Ginge slept in – sailed with Philip – never do that again. Ginge was down to earth by the next race – excellent racing – came third overall!!- In the prizes again – Double yippee!! Could struggle to change outfits between receiving prizes. Probably have an extra large glass of wine tonight”
Tuesday 7th
A cooler overcast start lead to showers in the afternoon and then the wind fizzled away in the middle of the pursuit race! So much for Portsmouth Yardsticks – However, there was a good mix of fleets in the top ten.
A special excerpt from Bridget’s Diary :
“Came third – In the prizes – Yippee!! Time for a new outfit for tomorrow’s prizegiving. Ginge’s burnt out after being on such a high! Time for a cocktail (or three)”
When the karaoke failed to turn up, Commodore Miles Middleton became master of ceremonies for, inter alia, a wet T shirt contest.
Monday 6th
A drizzly start did not put off the budding superstars from their topper training session!
Sunday 5th
After a still, misty start the wind picked up and the sun shone. The W winds resulted in courses that meant sailors had to keep a good look out for boats coming from all directions.
The quiz night was as popular as ever. With only ½ point separating them from 2nd place, Pennine Blackpool and Yeadon Travellers took the winners prize.
Saturday 4th
Throughout the morning, as visitors continued to arrive, there were some light showers that faded away as racing commenced. An initial Southerly breeze that was over powered by the SW sea breeze caused frustrations for many sailors in the first race as the winds swung around Sale Fell, bounced off Skiddaw, and then came down vertically for good measure! Many places were won and lost in the narrows towards mark 7.
The Commodore’s reception was held outside in a beautifully clear evening and then the first disco of the week commenced.
Friday 3rd
This year, the many people that arrived on Friday enjoyed a warm, sunny day to set up their boats, tents, caravans and awnings.
This site was last updated on 28 October, 2001