I'm Ian, I live in the Lake District and have got myself a Parker 235 to learn to sail on.

I live locally to Windermere (15mins) so she is going to be moored at Mitchell Wyke and I am looking forward to getting to grips with the Lake, 3 outcomes expected!

1) I don't like it....
2) I like it and I enjoy Windermere so stay there
3) I really like it, I get a bigger boat and start exploring the sea!

possible 4th option is keep the Parker and get a bigger boat for on the sea!

Exciting times ahead!

Ian

Welcome Ian
Option 5.
Next summer trail it down south and explore the Solent, the 235 is perfect for that!
Philip
Superseal, The rascal.

Now that is a good option maybe sits somewhere between big boat and sea. I am about 40 mins from a ramp in Barrow which opens the sea up to me, need to build my skills and confidence up first though!

HI Ian

Option 5a would be to start exploring around Barrow before you commit yourself to the long drive south. I visited a couple of times in the last few years and the estuary is nicely sheltered in most winds and you could sail over to Piel island to the pub, also plenty of creeks to explore. As you get more confident there are good local day sails/overnight options to places like Glasson Dock, Fleetwood or up the coast to Whitehaven and the Solway Firth. Having a lifting keel opens up many options than other sailors overlook. You could also trail to the Clyde which - forgive me Philip - knocks seven bells out of the Solent!

Good luck!
Peter

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Interesting! I have been lucky enough to sail in both Morecambe Bay and the West of Scotland with friends who both own yachts in these locations.

It was those guys who got me into to sailing and actually one of the reasons I bought the Parker. They are borh helping me set the 235 up ready for launching on Windermere on Saturday.

Hadn't really considered putting the Parker in the sea, was going to leave that for a bigger boat.....