Ginger Boats Bass Week 2025 at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club - Mid-WayReport

Ginger Boats Bass Week © Nick Smith

We've hit the halfway mark at Ginger Boats Bass Week, and what a week it's been so far! The first weekend saw142 boats have take to the water, with some seriously fun (and sometimes frantic) racing happening under the watchful eye of Skiddaw Mountain. There was a real buzz around the club - and while Storm Floris was making her way towards us, it didn't dampen the mood. Back on shore, the atmosphere's been just as lively. The bar's been buzzing, stories flying, drinks flowing, and live music, karaoke, disco bingo turning up the tempo into the night. Everyone's soaking up the good vibes, both on and off the water - and if the first half is anything to go by, the second half's going to be just as epic.

The week kicked off with the Jennings Cup, sponsored by Navigators & General Insurance. Saturday saw light to medium breeze, but by Sunday it had built into a solid Force 4, serving up some brilliant blasting reaches across the bay. The first prize-giving of the week took place in the sunshine (yes, really!), with a generous haul of goodies thanks to Navigators & General.

Full results and race reports: www.bassweek.org.uk/25jc

As forecast, Storm Floris rolled in overnight on Sunday. The PRO made an early call to cancel Monday's racing, giving everyone a rare wetsuit-free day to explore the local sights.

Ginger Boats Bass Week - photo © Nick Smith

Come Tuesday, the Dubwath Cup (sponsored by Shake Waffle & Roll) got under way in a gusty and seriously shifty Force 5. With big rain squalls sweeping the lake, many chose the shelter of the clubhouse over the start line - and honestly, who could blame them?

Tuesday results: www.bassweek.org.uk/25dc

Later that afternoon, conditions improved (a bit), just in time for the Nairn Pursuit Race, sponsored by Ginger Boats. The rain cleared, the sun came out, and around 100 spectators gathered to watch the 90-minute chase unfold.

14-year-old James Reekie led the way early in his RS Tera Sport, chased down by Andy and Isabelle Tunnicliffe in their Mirror - but it was Simon Weatherspoon in an ILCA 7 who stole the show. He rounded the final mark just as the moving finish line was dropped in front of him at exactly 90 minutes. Onshore chatter was all about one thing: when was the last time a Laser won a Bass Week pursuit?

See how it played out: www.bassweek.org.uk/25np

So, that brings us to Wednesday - the storm's gone, the sun's back, and the forecast looks promising for the next five days of racing.

For daily updates from William on the Bates start boat, head to www.bassweek.org.uk

Simon Weatherspoon wins the Nairn Pursuit trophy - Ginger Boats Bass Week - photo © Nick Smith