Sonatas on Windermere

Windermere is the venue for one of the largest fleets of racing Sonatas in the country. Unusually, their most active season is throughout the winter from November through to Easter. Racing is every other Sunday as part of the Windermere Cruising Association's Winter Series (sponsored by Maiden Marine) which attracts a total fleet of over 50 boats from the north of England, Isle of Man, Scotland and north Wales. Over twenty of these are Sonatas including the current National, Northern, Scottish Champion and other top ranked boats, which ensures it is top level competition in well organised races. Reports and the results of the races are published on the Windermere Cruising Association web site.

Who’s afraid of some winter weather?

Windermere is a large expanse of water and moorings are readily available for visiting boats. Unlike the scene in the photo, the weather is rarely too extreme and most days produce memorable sails amongst the stunning scenery of the Lake District. There is also a very warm post race social scene in the nearby marina club house.

Coaching

One special feature of the Winter Series on Windermere, is that it usually includes a coaching weekend run by National Champion Steve Goacher. The photo shows Steve explaining the characteristics of the Sonata’s rather slack forestay.

Most of the Sonatas return each spring to their summer sailing waters, but a number do remain on the lake and enjoy handicap racing with the Windermere Cruising Association’s summer programme.