K1 class in the Windermere Waterhead Race at South Windermere Sailing Club

Windermere Waterhead Race at South Windermere SC © Julie Tomkinson

The annual South Windermere Waterhead Race once again delivered a compelling day of tactical sailing and shifting fortunes, drawing a diverse fleet from local clubs and beyond. This year, the K1 class also converged on Windermere for their annual long-distance race, vying for the prestigious Armstrong Sidley Trophy, bringing competitors from across the country.

A Day of Two Winds (and More) Forecasts had predicted a Force 2 westerly, building to Force 3-4, before easing. However, Windermere, as ever, had its own ideas. Early arrivals were greeted by a gentle easterly breeze, which eventually gave way to the prevailing west as the fleet prepared for the start. Race Officer Alison set a starting line off the east shore, with a windward mark placed centrally in the lake.

Following a general recall, the fleet showed good discipline on the second start, holding back from the line to ensure a clean getaway. Ian Duke in his K1 got off to a flying start, leading the K1 contingent and tucking in close behind Mark Fernley's Blaze as they rounded the first mark.

Tactical Splits and Wind Lottery The long beat north saw the fleet split, with some opting for the east shore and others venturing into the lake's middle. As is often the case on Windermere, the wind played a capricious hand, favouring different sections of the fleet at various times. A large cruiser caused a moment of consternation, drawing shouts to slow down as it hugged the shore.

Simon Hawkes, in his K1, committed to the east shore on the downwind leg, determined to harness every available puff. While the east side initially looked promising, those in the centre soon found their own gains. All the while, Mark Fernley (Blaze) and Simon Hawkes (K1) steadily edged their way into a commanding lead, remaining in close contention with the 29er of Freddie Wood and Jim Bowes and the Flying Fifteen of Jack Thompson.

As the iconic landmarks of Belle Isle and Bowness Bay came into view, local knowledge proved invaluable. With reports of last year's competitors getting "stuck" on the west of Belle Isle, the clear advice was to keep to the Bowness side, a sentiment underscored by the chain ferry remaining firmly on its west slipway.

Bowness Bay's Great Leveller The fickle breeze in Bowness Bay created a momentary compression of the fleet. The leaders stalled, allowing the back markers to close the gap. Doug McCusker capitalised on this, skillfully positioning his K1 in a brief gust to gain a temporary lead within the K1 fleet, with Jane Telford also re-entering contention. Chris Swallow, for a moment, was convinced he could almost touch Simon Hawkes' stern, but the leaders soon found their rhythm again, pulling away once more.

First time K1 open meeting entrants - Windermere Waterhead Race at South Windermere SC - photo © Ian Duke

A critical decision was made by Richard Sims as he passed through Bowness, opting for a different route from Ian. This proved to be a smart move as the wind eventually filled in and strengthened from the west. The fleet was now on a significant port-biased beat to the top of the lake, with those caught out of position north of Bowness now struggling to regain ground.

The Run Home and a Close Finish Richard Sims' decision paid dividends, as keeping to the right found him wind and speed, propelling him to second K1 at the Ambleside turning mark. He was hotly pursued by John Richardson, a local K1 sailor from Royal Windermere Yacht Club, who expertly utilised his local knowledge along the west side of the lake. Jeremy Hidson rounded fourth, followed by Bret Matthews, Chris, Mike Commander, and Ian, all tightly packed.

The return leg began with a strengthening breeze, offering a starboard reach all the way home - sometimes broad, sometimes tight, and demanding some close-quarters beating through the Bowness narrows. On the final stretch, the wind continued to build, with gusts hitting Force 5, pushing the now-tired sailors to their limits on the final push to the finish line.

The leaders maintained their advantage, with Mark Fernley (Blaze) crossing the line after 3 hours and 35 minutes of intense racing and winning the Waterhead Trophy. Simon Hawkes, however, put in a remarkable performance to finish just 9 seconds behind on corrected time, securing the K1 class victory.

A Resounding Success A huge thank you was extended to South Windermere Sailing Club for hosting an excellent event. Alison Graham received well-deserved praise for her superb work as Race Officer. Winners were presented with trophies, wine, and the local delicacy, Kendal Mint Cake.

In a special recognition within the K1 Fleet, prizes were awarded to those who had beaten their predicted place by the largest margin. Mike Commander took first place in this category, with Chris Swallow securing second, highlighting the determination and strategic gains made throughout the challenging race. A huge thanks also goes to Ovington Boats for sponsoring the K1 travellers trophy and long distance event.

Simon Hawkes, winner of the long distance race - Windermere Waterhead Race at South Windermere SC - photo © Ian Duke

Overall Results: