Risky some may say, certainly a physical and mental challenge, either way you view it,

I start by thanking Norman, Rice Pudding VII, Dennis, Weasel, and John, Curlew, for their support and good humour, the encouragement they gave me made the trip very pleasant. Thanks also to Sandra and Martin for coffee and snacks at Piel.

Forecast 3/4, variable. I left Glasson at 09.15 hours. I was slightly alarmed by the lack of wind, hardly lifting my confidence. 1 3/4 hours to Lune River buoy, not a good start to the day. I had by this time refused an offer of a tow by Curlew. Crossing the Heysham Channel in light winds is not a pleasant experience with large vessels charging past at a great deal of knots!

Visibility down to around 1/4 mile due to a heat haze , I was almost washed on to the bows of coaster Ben Vane by the strong ebbing tide.

My two compasses gave me confidence keeping on a heading of 330 degrees, 3 hours with no visibility can be a little unnerving on a Laser. I must thank Norman for the encouragement at this stage!

The wind had now freshened to a good 2/3. Sure enough out of the clearing haze I sighted Half-Way Shoal tower. 20 minutes later, bearing away to starboard into the Barrow Channel was a great relief accompanied by Rice Pudding. We both had a splendid close reach all the way to the moorings at Piel Island with the help of a good North Westerly.

I staggered ashore with some pleasant banter from Martin (motor cruiser).

3 hours later after some good company we, myself Curlew and Rice Pudding, set sail for Glasson in an exciting 3/4 from the North West. We had a great broad reach to Half-Way Shoal tower then bearing away onto a run all the way to Lune River enlivened by various exciting gybes amongst the breaking waves.

We had to wait at Lune River (still referred to as No. 1) as we were one hour too early. We then a pleasant sail up to Glasson , arriving at the club at around 21.00 hours. A thoroughly enjoyable day, great sailing, good company, probably have another go, next time on the sailboard.

Ivan Haslam

Editors note: The Laser is a single-handed performance dinghy, a handful in these conditions for a fit young sailer, Ivan, although very fit for his age, is 61. We consider this quite an achievement. This is a photograph of a Laser being sailed by our Olympic Silver Medalist, Ben Ainslie. Photo with thanks to the RYA Magazine.