Island Barn Reservoir

It was a drizzly day today so no painting outside possible, instead I visited the Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club in West Molesey, just a 15 minute drive away, knowing that rain would not stop the die-hards from getting out there for a race or two.

In the clubhouse I introduced myself to a woman, (Ann) who was on her forth visit crewing for another member in an Albacore. She took a level 1 & 2 course during the summer down at Brighton and wants somewhere local to get some winter practice in.

A good selection of boats were out in the 10-15 kts of breeze, a couple of RS 600s, lots of Lasers, a Topper or two, a couple of Enterprises, a Fireball, and a few others I couldn't name.

There are a few club boats available for use at a nominal rate, including Toppers, Lasers and Enterprises, which would be great for me because I don't want to buy a boat now, due to our plans for Canada.

The reservoir itself has quite a history, as Graham, a veteran member explained, being one of the old style granite and clay ones. They tend to all be concrete nowadays. Apparently the contents of the 122 acre site (and 80 ft depth), would keep Londoners with water supply for just one day, so it isn't in use as a source of water supply, just down the reserve list by quite a long way. Good news as far as the club is concerned because it means that the water levels remain fairly static, though it is topped up once a year.

Yes, this club would suit my needs better than any other at the moment. The costs are low, the members are friendly, club boats are available and it's just so close to home. I would like to get Gadgeteen involved too, just to see if I can change his opinion of dinghy sailing as being too slow and boring for his liking.

We'll see how it goes.....