August 27 - Rutland Water

GPS image of sailing track at Rutland

Time for a change!  I took Daisy II off her mooring on August 25th intending to do some sailing at other locations and, eventually, to attend the Drascombe Association Norfolk Broads rally organised for September.  Finally, the weather cleared up, and the first stop was Rutland Water.  I've been here before but not for a couple of years.  Despite incessant rain over the past few days, the reservoir was lower than I have previously experienced - by at least a couple of metres.  Launched at Whitwell Watersports centre - good value at £10 for use of a very straightforward, user-friendly slipway.  13.2nm later, returned to the same slip.  For some reason, boats were not allowed to go in the south-western arm of the reservoir which is a shame - it would have been good to do it all.  Wind was Northerly, gusting 3-4 initially, but eventually settled down and then completed disappeared - just as well I was close to the slipway by that stage - no engines allowed at Rutland.  Total distance now stands at 312.8nm. 

The following images show some points of interest - firstly, the engineering feat that Rutland Water must be.  The trees from this wood obviously had to be felled in order to facilitate the reservoir - all that is left are these worn out stumps!  Secondly, the slipway which is remarkably user-friendly.

Triffids...

The slipway at Whitwell