Situated just 20 miles east of Leicester and within easy reach of Nottingham and Loughborough, Rutland Water offers the best sailing in the Midlands.
Set in the beautiful Rutland countryside and close to some lovely old towns like Stamford and Oakham, it is also a great place for a BBQ, bike ride or pub lunch.
- Beach Faces:
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The most popular spot is on the north shore (Whitwell side) and faces south. Rutland Sailing Club is based on the South Shore and faces north but most of this guide is applicable to the Whitwell end.
- Best Wind Direction:
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WNW, S, E, (SW is good at the Whitwell end only)
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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WNW gales blow straight down the north arm of the lake and have been known to produce the odd smackable lump, honest!
- Not Good:
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Northerly wind, go to the east coast instead.
- Tide:
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can be low after a hot summer!
- What’s On The Bottom:
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hard gravel/sand/rock/mud
- Any Hazards:
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only the fishing boats and the Rutland Bell in the summer (a slow cruise boat providing tourist rides around the lake).
- Other Water Users:
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No kitesurfers and no jetbikes! Only sailing boats which tend to use other parts of the reservoir.
- Suitability / Levels:
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All levels. There’s a school in the creek for beginners.
- Wipeout Factor:
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Well it’s only a lake, but the chop can get quite hazardous on slalom kit.
- Instruction:
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YES for beginner to intermediate at Whitwell Creek (Tel. 01780 460154) and at Whitwell Sailing Centre (Tel. 01509 891222) and Rutland Sailing School on the south shore (Tel. 01780 721999, www.rutlandsailingschool.co.uk)
- Kit Hire:
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Yes, as above.
- Friendly Factor:
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Nearly always someone there to chat to even in the depths of winter and can be very busy in summer. The regular crowd are a lively and friendly bunch.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Nearly always someone there to chat to even in the depths of winter and can be very busy in summer. The regular crowd are a lively and friendly bunch.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, on site |
|---|---|
| Shower |
Yes, on site |
| Windsurfing Shop |
Yes, but limited stock at Whitwell. Best bet is Nobles on the way to Loughborough in Wymeswold www.nobleboards.co.uk |
| Food |
Food Harbour restaurant at Whitwell, numerous pubs and cafes around the lake |
| Parking |
Lots: windsurfers park at Whitwell. |
| Pub |
The Noel Arms is the closest, but there are loads and they are all good. |
- Accommodation:
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Camping available most weekends at Whitwell (Tel. 01780-460154) Go to www.rutnet.co.uk/tourism/accommodation/ for all other types of accommodation
- Local Hotshots:
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Just the Nobles sponsored goons including Gareth Love (Junior Indoor Champ), Richard Jones and me of course!
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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www.xcweather.co.uk usually gives a pretty good indication of when it’s windy. SW winds are real gusty at Whitwell, but perfect conditions can be found just the other side of the peninsular in this wind direction. Rutland goes off in a strong WNW!
- Extra:
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Home to the famous Rutland/Nobles Demo’s and also hosts many UKWA slalom and racing cup events. In 2004 the UK Inland Champs and the UKWA Slalom Series 3 were both held at Whitwell.
- How To Get There:
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Rutland Water is just off the A47, half way between Leicester and Peterborough. From the north come down the M1, get off at Jnc 21, round the Leicester by pass and onto the A47. From the south, use the M1 again or the A1 joining the A47 just after Peterborough. Most people park and windsurf at Whitwell on the north shore.
- Report By:
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Steve Thorpe (K4) a.k.a The Rutland Ripper!
