OGA Regatta at Windermere Jetty Museum

Windermere 17 yacht with Museum in background

A two day event combining sailing with heritage based at Windermere Jetty Museum. With sailing on the lake, the event is a must for everyone with an interest sailing and classic boats. It is suitable for any traditional boat that is trailer-able by road, big or small. With lake shore woods taking on autumn colour the lake will be at prettiest.

Sailing Plans

We plan to offer a programme of cruises in company and a possibly an informal race. The Museum is located on the wider northern reach of the lake which is closer to the mountains, including the Langdale Pikes and Fairfield Horseshoe. Last year, on one day we sailed up to Ambleside for lunch, and on the second day to the beaches south of the National Trust's Wray Castle. Alternatives are the beaches on the west side of the Lake under Claife Heights or sailing south through Bowness Bay to the southern reach of the Lake.

Ambleside

You can find out about the possibilities from the Windermere Lake Users Map.

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/147762/Windermere-Lake-User-Guide.pdf

or the RYA Windermere Dinghy Trails

https://authoring.rya.org.uk/knowledge/dinghy-trails/nw/windermere

The Museum

The awarding winning Windermere Jetty Museum was opened in 2019. It tells the 200 year story of the Windermere's boating history. The Museum's collection includes steamboats, gaff rigged yachts, ferries and speedboats. Windermere was at the forefront of boat design.

Indoor Dock

In nineteenth century. Rich Victorian built large houses round the lake and competed to have the latest and best boat. In early twentieth century the lake was synonymous with Arthur Ransome and Swallows and Amazons. Coch-y-bonddhu one of Arthur Ransome's boats is one of the boats on display. Another of the museum's exhibits is a boat owned by Beatrice Potter. There is lots to see in the Museum of the weather is too poor to go sailing and the lakeside cafe is a good place to meet up with other OGA members.

Coch-y-bonddhu (owned by Arthur Ransome)

Supporting Programme

The weekends includes a chance to go on a guided tour of the museum including a visit the boat conservation workshops. Steam boat trips are also available. We hope to arrange meals for participants on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Conservation workshop

Based at the Museum there is plenty for non sailors to do. So bring your families, partners and friends too.. There is an outside terrace overlooking the lake and a model boat lake. Bowness its lake front and shop is only a short walk away. There are places nearby to visit including the Arts and Crafts house at Blackwell.

View from Cafe

Prices

Event fee £67 for two days sailing (Boat launching, storage, mooring and cruising each day)

Museum admission, guided tour and visit to boat conservation workshops £10 (reduced group rate)

Steamboat Trip £16.50 (book via Museum website)

If bringing an engine with your boat, you need to apply for a licence to use it on Windermere. https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/water/windermerereg Cost £48 plus £10 for letters. We plan providing safety boat cover and may be able to tow boats if necessary (not guaranteed), which reduces the need for an engine.

Boats can be left at the Museum on Friday afternoon and collected on Monday.