The plan was simple. Get a load of Brookbank Staff head down to the Lake District and go Open Boating using more methods of propulsion than just a paddle. We all met up at the south end of Ullswater around 10am and headed down to the sailing school. These guys are one of Brookbank Carlisle's customers and let us use their carpark to leave the vans.
We headed out and most of us started off with poling. Paul was leading the group. Teaching us some goods techniques on the way. Trim of the boats and how to use the poles. We tried going up a little stream too. We practiced with the poles as it started to get quite windy. The rain was coming on and off as well. With a strong head wind it was time to practice some lining up the shores of the Loch, sorry Lake. I kept the camara in it's bag until lunch time with the heavy rain. We did practice some paddle strokes just before lunch where we were able to set up a tarp and talk knots and gear.
The afternoon it was time for some sailing. We were at a sailing centre after all. The wind had dropped a little but there was still more than enough to get the boats moving under wind power. Paul went through three main different types of sailing rigs the last one being the most intricate.
Two Open Canoes were lashed together using some handy two by four and a couple of roof rack straps.
An A frame rig using two poles were lashed together and tied down front and rear. A knot was tied at the top with a crab to hoist the sail. (the tapr we used at lunch.)
Once the sails were rigged and instructions given on how to drop the sail quickly in case of a gust it was onto the water and try them out.
Pete had rigged a solo sail set up.
Paul and Rikki had a two boat set up.
Adam, Mike and John had a the Tarp rig and were able to get some speed up.
It was a great day training and thanks to Paul for all his efforts. All the staff who attened will now be selling you a sailing rig, canoe poles and ropes to propel your new canoe, as well as paddles of course.
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