Anyone got any ideas as to good venues in the North of England? Am putting together the Scottish circuit for next year, and the idea is to have 7 events total, with 4 to count and 2 of those in the North of England, with another 2 within easy striking distance in Scotland should anyone from south of the border want to have a shot at the overall. Kielder is on my list so far, possibly Derwent Reservoir? Bassethwaite?

Bassenthwaite was mentioned as a potential "different" inlands venue when I was talking to people earlier this year. We used to have an event at Newbiggin on the sea in the past, not been for a while though.

In terms of the North West of England for the lakes you have Consiston, Bassenthwaite, Ullswater and Windermere. Windermere and Bassenthwaite have some merlins that I am aware of. I sail at Bass. Fleetwood SC near Blackpool had a sailing event this year that I wanted to go to but it did not work out and I could not go. This seems to have a few Merlins. 

The lakes venues are all inland venues on the shiftier side of the fence. 

Cheers John

Thanks John, I'll maybe get in touch with Bassenthwaite then as it sounds like an easy shoot. Derwent Reservoir was floated as an alternative too. Any more ideas?

Sunderland YC always put on a good event to be honest.

Newbiggin by the sea must be a very long time ago since you went there must be pre 2000 from memory massive rock bund in the bay to stop the village disappearing into the sea now. 

nice big club house but not sure how active it is now

It seems that Kielder usually do the Dam to Dam race on the first May Bank Holiday - it's one I've fancied doing for some years though never managed to get there.
The Lord Birkett at Ullswater is usually first weekend in July and that was a good event this year despite a lack of wind on the Sunday.

The Lord Birkett would make a great event to hold a Northern / Scotish Champs

New Biggin was 14yrs. ago

I suggest the first weekend of Bassenthwaite Week at the beginning of August.  The Birkett clashes with Salcombe Week next year.

I have happy memories of going up to Royal Northumberland YC for a Bank Holiday Silver Tiller. Ace of Clubs beer and curry I think with Richard Varley and co. Great sailing too if you can persuade RNYC to host us again.

Ok looks like Kielder and the first weekend of Bassenthwaite week have it for next year. I'll investigate the others in more detail for possible inclusion in 2015. Kielder and Bass are also nicely spaced out from each other time wise. I'm dead keen to get some of ye North Englandshire sailors along to these ones, and will let everyone know the Scottish ones soon in case people want to come up here for another 2 events and thus qualify for the overall.

Feel free to post any Scottish venues you feel would be worth making a trip up for too - I've got a tentative list and they are all great but always willing to try to accomodate people if it can lead to more boats on the startline...! Cheers