Page 10 - Folk Boat Year Book 2023

any bearing and with a reef in can cope with almost anything. On a good beat down
the lake my mobile phone indicates that I am driving and turns itself off.

Lake Windermere is a great place to learn seamanship. The traffic is considerable near
the populated centres but the isolation halfway up the lake is welcome. The big
steamers know the rules of the sea
and keep out of your way. The little
tourist electric launches buzz five
metres in front of you to take
photos as you are going full tilt on a
close haul with the gunwales under
water. The power boats give a great
swell of a wake simulates the
offshore environment. The
prevailing south westerly wind
makes for an interesting beat down
the lake with several shallows to
navigate. The northern basin allows
a reach of over a mile on a single
tack. The autumn northerlies bring
a different and austere challenging
environment. There are a few
comfortable havens which you can
share with the steamers if you
coordinate your arrival with their
departure . I’ve entertained several bluewater sailors who have been impressed with
fluky winds and the quality of the sailing. The rapid shifts in wind are possibly related
to the adiabatic and katabatic effects of the mountains that encircle the northern end
of the lake - you can get a 180 degree change in direction in a few hours.

As far as I know mine may be the only Folkboat on the lake, but I have seen others
there a few years ago and I always get an interested and knowledgeable enquiry
when I stop at the main jetty at Ferry Nab. If you are tempted to buy one of the many
Folkboats advertised on the Association website, please consider joining me - it would
be fun to run a flotilla! The wardens are helpful and professional. There is a very fine

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