Relaunch of Swallow at Coniston - 10th April 2011

This particular Swallow is a 12ft lugsail dinghy (no centreboard) used in the 1974 film 'Swallows and Amazons'. She had lain unused in a boatshed since filming, but in 2010 a group of Arthur Ransome fans raised funds to purchase and renovate her.

It is now time to get the new varnish wet!

You are invited to attend the first sail, on Coniston Water.

Arthur Ransome fans are encouraged to attend on Sunday 10th April for the launch ceremony with Sophie Neville, who played Titty in the film. If the weather is kind to us we will be able to sail across the lake to Bank Ground Farm (used as Holly Howe in the film). The day will be advertised to the general public in the Lake District too.

Who/what will be there?

Boats: In addition to Swallow we are expecting other small lugsail dinghies.

People: Co-founder of the association Rob Boden, actress Sophie Neville, and around 25 Ransome fans (so far). Sadly the other co-founder, Magnus Smith, cannot attend.

Activities: Other Ransome-related walks/visits will be on offer.

Food: Lunch can be purchased at the Bluebird cafe (at launch site) or Bank Ground Farm (if sailing across is possible).

Programme of events

(Warning: there is a running race in Coniston on Saturday, expect congestion)

Sunday 11am: Examine the fleet, sign up for a sailing slot, meet other fans

Sunday noon: Launch ceremony, followed by sailing trips

Sunday 1pm: Lunches available at Bank Ground Farm

Sunday 5pm: Sailing sessions end (approx)

RSVP

The day is free and open to anyone, but it would help the organisers if you indicated your desire to attend. Simply send a message, such as "4 of us want to turn up, only 3 will sail", to info@sailransome.org (please also indicate whether you want a reservation at Bank Ground Farm for lunch).

Weather concerns

Rain: The event will still go ahead, bring a waterproof!

Calm: Swallow will be forced to row instead of sail

Gale: We cannot sail if the wind is too strong for a reefed sail, but we can still have the ceremony

Snow: Only if roads are dangerous will we cancel the event

Links

Map/directions to Coniston Boating Centre: Google Maps - Lake Road

Donating to Swallow: Sail Ransome needs your help!

Renovations performed by: Patterson Boatworks

Varnish donated by: International Marine

Sail supplied by: Goacher Sails