Rutland Water - Midland's Finest

If you want a windsurfing fix in the East Midlands, then Rutland Water is a mighty fine place to go sail. Although it is man-made, it is a haven for wildlife and rich in nature, as well as being a playground for watersports; not to mention supplying water to East Midlands! It is the largest reservoir in England and wind foiling is giving inland locations like Rutland Water a resurgence; foil advocate and local windsurf instructor David Horan and regular Rutland Water photographer Andy Balmford tell us more about its windsurfing scene and their relationship with its waters.

- David Horan and Andy Balmford

HISTORY

David Horan – “Rutland Water is a man-made reservoir which was formed by flooding two valleys. Construction started in 1971 and was completed in 1976. When Rutland opened it was the largest man-made reservoir in Europe. The reservoir covers an area of over 3100 acres and has a capacity of 124 million cubic metres. The dam at the east end of the lake is 1.2 km long and the maximum depth of the lake is 34 metres. There is a nature reserve at the west end of the lake where a breeding pair of ospreys can be seen in the summer months. Rutland Water has extensive cycling and walking paths around the body of the reservoir, numerous cafes, a cycle hire centre, childrens play parks, mini-golf, bug-topia, an aqua park with inflatable equipment in summer and a bird-watching centre as well as lots of space to enjoy a picnic or bbq with friends. The lake is big enough that it really feels like you are in the great outdoors away from it all, and even on those busy summer days on the lake shore you can soon escape any noise by getting out on the water.

LAUNCHING

The only launch location is at the village of Whitwell on the north side of the lake, halfway between the towns of Oakham and Stamford. Visitors must sign in at the Rutland Watersports centre/shop who provide safety cover. After signing in, you can proceed to the car park adjacent to the water with access directly onto the main sailing area.

TUITION

Rutland Watersports offer a variety of tuition from complete beginner to intermediate planing and introduction to wind foiling through to sustained flight. They have a variety of kit to suit these activities or tuition can be done on your own personal kit. Beginner and non-planing intermediate kit is available to hire subject to conditions.