The Lake Is Dead.

Lakesailor

Lakesailor

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Yesterday we drove up the side of Windermere from Newby Bridge to home. We saw 2 yachts. 1 in the South basin and 1 in the North basin. It was a warm and fairly sunny day with a gentle breeze.

Today it's very sunny and a decent breeze (6mph, gusting to 12mph).
I've just counted about 8 yachts in the North basin.

I know it's weekday but when we moved here, and put a boat on the lake, whenever we went out there were yachts (and powerboats, and jetskis) all over.
Now if there are 40 boats out in the North basin on a weekend it's busy.

This on a 10 mile x 1 mile lake with almost 2000 moorings and marina berths.

The lake is dead.
 
How many of the boats there have been bought instead of overpriced waterside properties?

You dont think they actually learned to sail them do you?
 
TSB240 said:
How many of the boats there have been bought instead of overpriced waterside properties?

You dont think they actually learned to sail them do you?
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I'm sure that is part of the problem. However 1000 moorings are swinging which is a pretty rubbish way to enjoy your "home in the lakes".

It's much quieter than it was.
 
A1Sailor said:
Maybe folk are doing other things - like driving up hill and down dale! :p
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In funny little motor cars ...... Doing strange things round sticks on bumpy ground and impossibly steep hillsides.



Similar experience I guess to diving on some of the roads in this part of the country!
mad.gif~original
 
Lakesailor said:
I know it's weekday but when we moved here, and put a boat on the lake, whenever we went out there were yachts (and powerboats, and jetskis) all over.
Now if there are 40 boats out in the North basin on a weekend it's busy.
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You say this as if it's a bad thing.

Pete
 
At least the LDSPB are happy, they don't want any boats spoiling their pristine water.

I believe they tolerate a couple of classic clinker built rowing boats in Bowness Bay for photographic purposes, but that's it :mad:

A friend has just re-registered his Mastercraft after an 8 year absence, things might be about to liven up :rolleyes:
 
chanelyacht said:
Another own goal by the national park - impose a speed limit, watch as everyone leaves, then wonder why there's a hole in the economy.

Genius.
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Hang on there !

As a boy I sailed my dinghy on Windermere and was very nearly garrotted by a prat in a speedboat towing a waterskier into a bay ( Low Wray ) - only saved by the skier having a brain and letting go.

On other occasions we were very nearly swamped by clueless berks in large ' Moonraker ' style gin palaces.

I'd say the speed limit restored the spirit of the lakes from something one might find around the back of a Halfords in Crawley.

It may be more tripper boats of a type sensitive to the area ( maybe inc sailing craft ??? ) would be a good thing, but good riddance to selfish brainless vandals - that applies to the sort I met on the Lakes, not mobo's in general who I reckon infinitely better nowadays.
 
Thank the eco warriors of the lakes, for the downturn of activity, and the present economy just helps it to stay down to a level also, have noticed it on the salty sea moorings in wales, where some moorings were over subscribed, now there seems to be a lot of empty moorings for rental.
 
I think you'll find the prime cause is the weather over the last few seasons, then the cost of fuel to get anywhere, then dwindling salaries / pensions to pay for ' luxury items ' like boats.

While I and many others consider having a relatively modest boat an essential way of life, some people - and especially their wives, sadly - think differently.

I have seen and am seeing it happen, good boats people worked hard for being traded in for a car for a missus who has never worked in her life and has no chance of a job now even if she wanted it, the husband clinging on to his income...
 
The boat / mooring useage on the Lake/s is just following a national trend with sea boats; a lot of clubs in Chichester Harbour - traditionally a prime spot - have formed plans to get more active membership - dinghy and cruiser - and I'm glad to say it seems to be working at my club at least.

Those clubs or moorings renters who think ' we've always had a waiting list ' and act like ostriches are in for a rude shock, now the reduced market chooses the prices !
 
Lakesailor said:
The lake is dead.
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Bit like Poole Harbour today. Nearly all the moorings lining the north side of the main channel are empty - used to be completely full. Leaving aside the local shopkeepers having their half day closing racing in X Boats, doubt the number of yachts on the move made more than double figures. Studland same - about 20 boats, but there was a parachute drop to liven things up.
 
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