Blackwell Sailing 2006

Boat Out Day

2006-10-31T04:44:00.000-08:00

Today we took all the boats out of the water for winter storage, the boats will be maintained and re-varnished over the coming winter months ready for Boat Launch Day at the begining of April 2007.

Blackwell Sailing now goes walking for winter!

The Last Sail Of The Season

2006-10-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the final days sailing of the 2006 sailing season for Blackwell. Barbara and Amanda took out Joanna with Colin, Adrian, Chris and Robert and Brian took out Frieda with Russel, Carol, Annie and Tracey.

Dave, Bob and Julia were on the Safety Boat.

As the weather was a bit cold and wet today we went for a longer sail in the morning than usual and came back to the hut for hot drinks and a late lunch before heading off to buy cakes to go with an afternoon cuppa.

Messing About On The Water

2006-10-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Amanda, Brian and Bob were on Safety boat duty today, with Dave and Julie in Joanna with Collin, Leon, Chris and Adrian and Geoff and Russell took Frieda with Annie, Kelvin and Carol.

The weather was warm with sunshine, cloud and the odd shower in the afternoon but not a lot of wind!!!!

We sailed slowly up the north lake with Amanda and Brian practicing Man Over Boards with "Bob-the-Bouy"

(Bob the Man not wanting get wet even if he did have a nice dry suit on which we thought should be tested!!!)

Before stopping at Millarground for lunch ........

We then sailed back to base for a cuppa, chocolates and rock cakes made by Adrian.

Amanda then gave the camera a rare treat and let her picture be taken with Chris and Colinnd Chris.......

A Beautiful Day On The Lake

2006-10-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

Today started off with thick fog which luckily cleared by the time we had got all the boats ready to launch

We took all three boats to Millarground for lunch today in very calm winds and lots of sun!
Russell sunbathing on the jetty whilst dave teaches us all how to tie knots.

Amy's Birthday On Windermere

2006-10-06T02:48:00.000-07:00

It was a day of heavy rain and high winds and a gusty force 5 and white caps out on the lake - it was also Amy's 23rd Birthday.

We took the decision to motor Joanna and Frieda down to Storrs and tow Muddler and then race back under jib only which would have been ok if the wind hadn't suddenly dropped when got there - main sails went up and off we went - a bit too fast as the wind picked up so down they came again!!

Brian and Amanda were out on Joanna with Amy and Shirley, Frieda had Dave, Gerealdine, Tracey and Carol and on Muddler were Barbara, Sue, Collin and Helen and our ever dutiful safety boat officers for the day were Geoff and Bob.

We went back to Coctshott Woods and the sailing base for lunch where we could make hot drinks and sit under shelter out of the rain and the day ended with a trip to Wilfs for coffee instead of getting even more wet sailing in the afternoon! A better choice by far!

Hawes End Holiday - Sailing and Riding

2006-09-27T04:23:00.000-07:00

We began the day sailing with Tony on Bassenthwaite, Quite windy but good. Then ate our picnic on the balcony of Tony's chalet. Then went by minibus to the Riding for the Disabled Centre near Keswick. Everyone participated. Tracey rode Domino, Chris rode Bruno, Robert rode Haggis, Shirley, Joyce and Adrian drove traps pulled by Danny and Rocky respectively. Excellent support and much enjoyed.

Back at Hawes End everyone wrote postcards and diaries, Then the rain came so we cooked our barbecue indoors and enjoyed a leisurely evening.

Hawes End Holiday - Catbells

2006-09-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

It was a hot bright sunny day today and Sue, Russell, Ian, Amanda and the dogs went with Adrian, Robert, Tracey and Chris for a walk along Catbells today and met with Dave, Moira and Jonathan who had walked along the lake shore with Joyce, Alan, Rodger, Shirley and Peter.

We had lunch at the jetty......

and then the Catbells group were joined by Alan and Shirley for the walk back along the lake shore and the others took the ferry.

We all had tea and biscuits at the cottage on our return.
The day was rounded off by a camp fire by the lake

Hawes End Holiday - Arrival

2006-09-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Blackwell Sailing have hired out the cottage at Hawes End Centre on Derwentater for a week and Adrian, Tracey, Robert, Joyce, Dave and Russell are staying the whole week and are being joined for various activities and nights by others during the week.

Sue is staying tonight and Amanda popped in at teatime to say hi and then went with Ian to the nearby campsite for the night.

After settling in and making up their own beds they were introduced to a rope course where the idea was to help each other around the obstacles following the ropes through trees, after which they had tea and then a walk around the nearby headland along the lake shore, this was followed by supper which involved lots of tiffin cake!!

The view towards and from the cottage....

The Lounge and bedroom.....

The Kitchen and dining area (although meals are taken at the main house nearby)....

Millarground For Lunch

2006-09-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

We took two boats out today in the sunshine and a northlery force 3.

Barbara and Amanda had Frieda with Shirley, Leon and Tracey and Geoff and Russell took Joanna with Robert and Adrian. Dave was on the safety Boat.

We sailed up to Millarground for lunch and back to Cockhott Point in the afternoon.

Blackwell Sailing Goes Canoeing

2006-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

Russell and Amanda took Robert, Joyce, Tracey, Chris, Adrian and Shirley canoeing this morning in 2 canoes rafted together. Dave and Bob were on the safety boat and Barbara and Sue went on Muddler with Jean.

Lunch was on Tomlinson's Island near Belle Isle.

In the afternoon Amanda took a turn on the safety boat with Dave in Muddler and Barbara in the Canoes with the advantage of an added sail for that extra forward motion back to base and a well earned coffee and biscuits provided by Joyce.

An Evening In The North Lake

2006-08-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

A good evenings sail in a west south westerly force 1/2 . Julia was on the safety boat , Mel and Di sailed Muddler.

Both Whammels were reefed and we sailed for the North Lake with Gordon on Frieda with his young family, Frank, Steven and Richard.

Peter and Geoff sailed in Joanna with Steven, Lucy, Nick and Ian and all took turns on the helm.

On our return to Base to disembark three clients for their 19.30. transport, Mel broke out the Minstrels, and, while endeavouring to haul back Joanna from a premature start without Richard, nearly fell off the jetty clutching the, loose, northern-most end-post! (Di then stayed ashore to fix it.).

Julia complained of wet feet – someone has removed (permanently) one of the safety boat’s drain bungs – that’s OK when it’s self-draining at speed and when it’s moored (to stop the rain overflowing the RIB) but it does mean a tidy bit of water needs baling out (natural inward seepage from the lake) when it’s been moored with one bung out for a few hours.

A good fun time was had out by all.

Running and Gybing On The Lake

2006-08-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a good sunny day, temperature 17c, with a south, south westerly wind.

Julia was on the safety boat and Dave and Bob on Joanna with Carole, Adrian and Robert. Geoff sailed Frieda with Russell, Chris and Jean who helmed.

Lunch was at the jetty behind Ferry House on the Hawkshead side of the Lake and the afternoon was spent running and gybing back to base.

An Evenings Sail

2006-08-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

We sailed tonight in a south/south westerly, clear but overcast 14C. Joanna and Frieda went out along with the ever present safety boat tonight crewed by Mel and Lynn.

Di and Sue were on Frieda and Peter and Geoff on Joanna with Ian, Neil and Richard, who helmed, including returning to Base.

We sailed in the North lake – but little wind. We returned for 19.30 so Ian & Neil could be collected by taxi and then Isaac, his father and Richard sailed with Mel and Geoff in Frieda, (Di on safety boat), rafting us windward to Feather Island (Ramp Holme) – Mel’s idea for little Isaac - to beach and collect 20 Canadian goose feathers.

Zack, Mel’s ever faithful doggy companion, jumped ship between the safety boat and Frieda several times as we headed south passing around a sweetie bag (to Zack, too). The feather raiding party – Isaac, his father and Mel - transferred to the safety boat and did the deed while Frieda coasted off-shore.

Back on board, bristling with feathers, Isaac smiled his way home; Richard helmed mostly sailing to Base. Richard helped to de-rig and paddle Frieda into her berth.

An Afternoon Of Maintenance

2006-08-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the day for a bit of boat maintenance.

The beauforts aft buoyancy tank was sealed by Geoff and Peter.

Dave filled up the jerry can and spare safety boat tanks with fuel.

Geoff, with Amanda's help, detached the Beaufort's bilge pump (which was a Whale ‘Gusher’) and then Amanda took the Victory (from the Whammel boat) and Gusher pump to John at Shepherds for replacement parts.

Sailing To The Ferry

2006-08-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Tonights session started at 6.15 pm with Dave in Joanna with Kent and Katy and Peter in Frieda with Jenny, Ian and two others.

Geoff was in the safety boat.

We sailed down the south lake to the ferry and back after various tacks, some fast sailing and a few gybes (from both boats). Dave sailed onto jetty and Pete lowered both sails and motored in for 8 pm. A very good session.

Jane's Birthday on Windermere

2006-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Getting the boats ready and queuing up to go out on the Lake.....
Jane, Amanda, Chris and Brian having fun on Frieda.....
Muddler .........

Joanna.......

Lunch at the Ferry......

After lunch sailing.....

The birthday girl sailing Frieda....

Packing the boats away....

Adrian's Birthday at Millerground

2006-07-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

It was a hot sunny 28C today as Barbara and Brian helped ready boats. Geoff and Bob were on safety boat duty and lunch was at Millerground where swimmers had already braved the algae.

Adrian’s birthday was celebrated in style with a cake, candles and ‘Happy Birthday’ from all, accompanied by Dave on guitar. Geoff sailed Joanna back to base with Jean, Adrian, Leon, Carole and Russel. A good sail and celebration.

Sailing To Ferry Nab

2006-07-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

The sun was out and it was blowing a force 1/2 south/south westerly as Tony rigged Frieda, Brian rigged Muddler and Geoff readied Joanna and the safetyboat.

Tony helmed Joanna with Geoff and taught the morning session for Peter Thompson, Steven, Chris and Adrian.

Sue was in charge of Muddler with Bob on safety boat duty and lunch was at Ferry Nab.

Lunch At Thomson Ground

2006-07-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful sunny day with settled blue skies, 25C and blowing a force 1/2 north/south westerly. Geoff readied Joanna and the safety boat whilst Brian readied Frieda.

Sue, Russel and Brian took out Frieda and Geoff and Dave sailed Joanna with Jane and Carol to North lake for lunch on the little beach at Thomson Ground – super picnic spot – under the shady trees facing the soothing south westerly breeze!.

‘The fleet’ then motored up west of Belle Isle, past all the moored boats and shallows, through ‘Lilies of the Valley’ to turn right for home.

Bob was on safety boat duty and joined by Geoff after lunch.

A Hard Day's Sailing

2006-07-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bob and Dave were on safety boat duty today, part of that duty is ensuring that the boats leave the jetties safely.

We sailed in a westerly today - this meant that the wind was coming at us over Claiffe Heights as well as round to the north and from the south - sailing in a force four with several different winds all hitting you at the same time wasn't easy.

Gearing up and then reefing the sails for safety because of the high winds......
Barbara and I took Pete, Chris and Colin out today on Joanna and Julia and Geoff took Frieda out with Russell, Carol, Leon and Emma.

We decided to brave the north end of the lake and had lunch at Millar ground....
Chris hoisted the sails on Joanna when we left.....

Chris and Colin have both successfully reached the standard for the RYA Sailability Silver Award today and have decided to continue with gaining sailing experience in order to complete the Gold Award.

A Spot of Maintenance

2006-07-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Maintenance Day is usually on a Tuesday afternoon - any faults or problems with the boats or the area around the Sailing Centre are put on a notice board as and when they occur and are dealt with on a weekly basis.

However the rudder on Muddler needed fixing and so Geoff took some time this afternoon to restring the tension cords to enable the boat to sail more efficiently.

Testing The Legend

2006-07-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dave's been hunting around to find out which boats would be best suitable to our cause in case we need a new boat.

The aim would be to get a keel boat with a large cockpit to allow a greater number of disabled adults and children more access to sailing on the lake and also would allow us to extend our sailing season into the more wintry months which the Wammels are not suited for.

The boat Dave decided to test sail was a 21ft Legend yacht called Brightwater and along with Barbara, Pete and Amanda he took it out for a spin.

Pete checking the engine and Dave motoring out into the bay.....
Hoisting the main sail and then sailing with Dave on helm with Pete on main sheet .......

Gay's Jetty

2006-06-30T03:08:00.000-07:00

We took Frieda and Joanna out today for a sail southwards down Windermere to Gay's Jetty for lunch, calling in at Ferry Nab on our way back.

Amanda was in Joanna with Russell, Carol, Colin (on helm) and Emma (on jib)and Barbara and Geoff had Frieda with Tracey, Leon and Jean.
Lunch at Gay's Jetty....
Stop over at Ferry Nab with time for a bit of sunbathing...

and our trusty Safety Boat Officers for the day were Dave and Bob....

Blackwell Sailing's Open Day

2006-06-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

As part of the Windermere On Water Festival Blackwell Sailing opened it's 'door's today to the general public inviting disabled and special needs children from all over the country to come and try out sailing and kyaking.

Members, family and friends from South Cumbria Family Forum, (a support group for parents of children with special needs) also came and joined in with the fun, making it a great day out for families with both able and disabled members.

We also got the BBQ's going on the lake shore and the smell of cooking sausages, burgers and chicken kerbabs could be smelt all along Cockshott Point!

(Pictures coming soon)

North Lake Sailing

2006-06-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

The day was warm with some cloud as we sailed Joanna and Frieda north to Millar Ground for lunch.

Diane and Amanda took Frieda with Russell, Shirley and Carol and Geoff and Sue took Joanna with Chris, Colin and Tracey.

Dave and Barbara were on safety boat duty.

Good Wind Sailing

2006-06-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

The wind was good and steady today & the sun was out & very hot - all three boats set off from Cockshott Woods where Blackwell Sailing is based and headed into the south Lake.......
Amanda and Bob were in the safety boat.......

Frieda with Barbara, Russell, Chris & Leon....
Joanna with Dave, Tracey, Carol & Clare ......

Muddler with Sue, Brian, Kelvin and Annie .....
The boats pulled in for a picnic lunch at Ferry Nab.....
We had a problem with the shear pin on Joanna today - the shear pin is a devise that snaps in order to stop the propellers going round and breaking in shallow water. Dave bought a new shear pin during the lunch break and removed the engine to replace it......
unfortunately in the process of removing the broken pin the propeller slipped from Dave's finger to the bottom of the Lake!!!! "opps..... now where did that go?"

Russell (being a brave soul & hardened to cold water!!!) decided the quickest way to retrieve the propeller was to strip off & jump in.....

Success - one propeller retrieved!!!!

Departing Ferry Nab after an eventful lunch....

Lunch on an Island

2006-06-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Before we set off onto the lake the safety boat is checked and the sails raised on the boats.

All 3 boats went out today - Barbara and Amanda took Muddler with Shirley and Kelvin who did most of the helming between them.

Joanna had Sue & Di with Christine, Ian and Leon and Frieda had Brian and Russell with Chris and Tracey.....

Dave was on safety boat duty for the day (or should we say sunbathing duty!!!)

We landed on an island near Belle Isle for lunch.....

we then re-launched the boats....

and sailed in the north end of the Lake....

before returning back to the jetties

Safety Boat Service

2006-05-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Once a year the safety boat is removed from the water for its annual service....

South Lake Sailing

2006-05-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

We took all three boats out on the lake today and headed off to the south end of the Lake in a good force 2, gusting 3 with sun all the way. Amanda and Bob were on the safety boat.

Frieda took Barbara and Russell as sailors with Joyce and Carol who helped with the helm.

On Joanna, Di and Andrew took Chris, Leon, Ian and his mum Christine

and Dave took Colin and Helen on Muddler both took turns at helming for Dave.

We also met 2 other lug boats out on the water.....

For lunch we sailed into Ferry Nab

and then headed back into the south lake for the afternoon before back to the Blackwell base near Cockshott Point. Cuppas all round as usual.

A Sunny Day Sailing

2006-05-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Today we had enough people and sailors to take out all three boats.

Amanda and Roy were on Frieda with Jean, Ian and Christine, Amanda and Christine took turns on the Jib and Roy and Jean took turns to helm.

Di and Dave took Helen and Leon out on Muddler - Helen's comment was that the boat went a lot faster than the other two!!!

And on Joanna we had Barbara and Russel with Chris, Carol and Colin.

We sailed into the south of the Lake and stopped at Ferry Nab for lunch before venturing further south and then returning to base for the usual cuppa! Sunshine and a steady breeze all the way.

Our safety boat today was manned by Bob & Geoff.

Good Weather, Good Breeze

2006-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Before we venture out on to the lake the safety boat first goes to check the conditions and then each boat is checked over.

As we headed up to the north of the lake the sun was out & the breeze was steady

Amanda took out Freida (the slightly faster boat) with Brian as the other sailor and they had Leon and Beccy on board (who are good sailors) as well as Ian and his mum Christine.

Ian thought it would be good fun to throw the bailer bucket into the water, which then filled with water, tipping the boat to one side & it took a few seconds for Brian & Amanda to figure out why the boat was leaning over so far when the sails were set & we should have been level in the water!

Dave and Howard took Joanna with Carol, Chris, Adrian and John. Julia & Bob were on safety boat duty.

We sailed up the lake - Leon on Helm and into Millar Ground for lunch.

After lunch Beccy took the Helm on Frieda.

It was a really good sail & the day ended with a cuppa back at base.

Boat Launching Day

2006-04-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Blackwell Sailing is a charity based on the shores of Windermere which enables people with learning disabilities and disabled people to sail on the Lake.

Blackwell has 2 sailing boats called Whammels (Joanna and Freida) and a Beaufort called Muddler. These are accompanied out on the lake by a safety boat at all times.

Today was one of two introduction or refresher days (the other being held on the 8th) where new & old volunteers take the boats out to 'get the feel' of them after a winter in storage.

"Surprise, surprise all the boats still float" says our boss Dave!

The real fun starts after Easter.......