Sailing solo at Cheddar reservoir - quite literally.

So, Saturday arrives and much as forecast, we have go for launch.

Arriving at the reservoir around 9:15 and into the water, after a fair amount of faffing about, at about 10:45 - I can faff for England.

First, take paddle and paddle away from the slipway. Because; a. I wanted to see if the paddles I have  recently varnished were around the right length. Solo paddling, the longer length works better I think, but with crew, shorter ones may be better - hmm!, and b. there wasn't really much in the way of wind initially.

A busy day at Cheddar reservoir

 I should feel a little guilty really, there's me, reservoir to myself and four duty bods for the sailing club, with two safety boats looking on. Still, my turn will come.

So, sticking with it, about 50 metres from shore a little breeze picks up and off we go.

The wind improved all day and when I finally go ashore there was enough to necessitate hiking out occasionally.

Cheddar gorge in the distance

Around 2 o'clock I was joined in the water by a wind surfer. Well, he spent a fair amount of time in the water, fortunately, I remained dry. But, we still have a safety boat each.As a  bonus, my wife and daughter arrive to watch me and I chase them around the reservoir until they get bored, well cold, apparently.

Around the buoys until around 15:15 and after a couple of final reaches, I thought it time to go in. Although the wind was still improving, the light wasn't good and was only going to worsen - it's as well to de-rig whilst it's still light I always find.

BCYC clubhouse in the background

So, a good day.