Lake Windermere

Hi Villan,

I only know of one big boat charterer on Windermere - www.obsailing.co.uk, and they're not exactly cheap, but have nice newish boats (30ft+) and I suppose they cost a lot to run as well and we all have a mortgage to pay....

You could also try the sailing dayboats which used to bob about on their moorings in Bowness Bay (Holidays Afloat was the company, based at Ferry Nab, if I remember correctly - they also hired out small pink motorboats from Bowness Bay, next to the local sailing club base, so you can find them easily). These daysailers were quite reasonably priced, safe and good fun, too.

Don't know of anyone else there, in terms of sailing charter all seems to be a bit under-developed. The local clubs I always found rather 'stand-offish', if that's the correct term for not wanting anything to do with non-local sailors.

However, there used to be a good sailing school at Ullswater and I think that they hired out boats as well - perhaps you can find them (and others) via the RYA schools site.

Good luck and have fun - it's a lovely place for sailing!

Wilf

I realise you asked this question a year ago.   Windermere Lake Holidays have 3 Catalina Capri's  that you can hire.

I was out in one in July it costs £60 for the afternoon. [QUOTE]

Mike,

Just a silly question - are these the former Holidays Afloat people? We sailed with them for many years on Windermere and have very happy memories. Would like to charter from them again, and a small appartment plus a day sailer seems to be a good option. for an extended weekend.

Do you live 'up there'?

Wilf

Hehehe... yes, I remember the Squib very well - we had a bet on with the staff at one time that we would capsize her in a gale just north off Bell Isle and we lost - she just did not want to go. We also had a Yeoman at one time but I did not like it quite as much. The Squib just felt much better in a lot of wind, and very early spring was always our preferred time for sailing, when there still was some snow on the mountain tops. Good wind and no traffic. Just wonderful!

Now that the kids have grown up we don't get to Windermere all that often any more; instead we have a small day sailer (a German FAM class boat - 18' with lifting centreboard) on Lake Trasimeno in Italy, some 80m south of Florence. Much warmer than the Lakes, of course, plus very friendly people and excellent sailing. But we still love come up to Windermere* every once in a while, and a day sailer for a day or two might just round off the next trip very nicely.

Thanks for the update and happy sailing!

* approx. 300 mins from North London....

Hello Barrie,

Thx for letting us know - seems to be a nicely maintained boat, going by the pix. Will bear it in mind.

Best regards and a successful season!

Wilf