I decided to make the trip up the M6 to join the Laser 2000s last weekend. I didn't arrive until late and when I got there the party was in full swing. There were about 10 2000's there who had come from all points of the UK. Most of the attendees were families and there was a really friendly atmosphere. There was a good deal of curiosity about our Stratos. Talking to others over a few beers it became clear that the owner profiles of our respective boats are very similar and the 2000's would be keen to do more joint events. I hadn't missed much on the Saturday on the water which had managed to be sun and wind free. Sunday was better if not perfect. The rest of my crew arrived on Sunday so we were a little later than the other setting off. On the way back we had to share the lake with about 100 mixed fleet racers. Quite intimidating to see them bearing down on you! We tried to keep out of the way which also kept us out of the best of the wind. The 2000's had a definite advantage over our Keel in these lighter winds especially as we had 5 crew. The narrows in the middle of the lake forced us into the race fleet and into better winds and here things seem to even up and we arrived back at the campsite in the middle of our little fleet. We got back to find evidence of another Stratos (trailer on the slipway) but we didn't get to meet the owners. Overall, it was very enjoyable and ggod to escape the confines of our small home lake. I would certainly like to do another event and it would be great to have a stronger Stratos presence and talk about tangling genny halyards over a bottle of wine :-)
Ullswater Report
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Posted - 08 Jul 2003 : 12:26:17
