My family and, I or is it me... oh well, attended the combined Wayfarer and Wanderer week last year at Pooley Bridge, Ullswater in the Lakes and I thought at last I would report on it. I didn't get round to providing a write up afterwards and then when I saw all the cruising reports published in the December / Winter issue, thought it was too late. Anyway, as this year's programme is now out, I thought I would do my duty, albeit it late in the day, and encourage Wanderer owners to attend the same event in 2005. Can't remember the sail numbers of those that came in 2004, expect that one was a steel centreboard version. This exploded any myth that may be around that the steel plate is slower than the wooden, as as we set off on the first day's trip, the steel plate boat bombed off down the lake and left us all standing. Probably more to do with my sailing skills, or lack of them ! There were 4 Wanderers in all I recall.

We had several enjoyable sails down to Aira Force, Howtown and Glenridding, all expertly organised by Simon McEvoy of the Wayfarer Association. Thank you Simon and son, who spent most of the time with my daughter, which kept them happy. It wasn't windy enough for the Wayfarer purists, but was fine for me. The weather was good that week even though it had been exceptionally wet beforehand and the mud in the camping field was really churned up. There are other pastimes going on like compulsory community singing, well not that compulsory, and BBQs etc. The Lake is superb and huge, although perhaps launch and general lake access not as good as at Coniston.

Very friendly bunch and all willing to help, especially when I ran my mainsheet out of the mast by catching it on a tree and had to re-thread it. All part of the fun !
 

So try and go this summer [Aug 20th - 26th 2005] for a great week or however short or long you like. You may even see me there again, if I'm allowed to.

John Manley W1349