RS Aero sailors Ken Fowler and Peter Barton took 28 hours to sail around the three longest lakes in England, Wales and Scotland
One year after becoming the first person to sail solo around every island in England and Wales, Ken Fowler teamed up with a World Champion RS Aero sailor for a new ‘micro’ challenge.
With 262 islands and 1,336 miles under his belt, Ken joined forces with Peter Barton for their own take on The Three Lakes Challenge, sailing the lengths of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) in Wales, Windermere in England, and Loch Awe in Scotland.
Ken, a retired air traffic controller who only learned to sail 15 years ago, added a non-stop time constraint as he was inspired by The National 3 Peaks Challenge, where participants climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24-hour window.
He said: “We discovered the Three Lakes Challenge undertaken by canoeists where the aim is to canoe the three longest lakes in England, Scotland and Wales. No one appeared to have ever attempted this in a dinghy, so we decided to attempt that in a non-stop challenge of sub-36 hours.
![A man sailing a dinghy on lakes](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/08/edPBO305.news_main.Ken_fowler_microadventure_110448-630x354.jpg)
Launching at the start of Loch Awe – 25 miles to the end of the lake. Credit: Ken Fowler
“After the last seven years of epic scale dinghy sailing adventures to raise money for Cancer Research and Oakhaven Hospice, this year’s micro-adventure will hopefully inspire others while raising more funds for these two amazing charities.”
Ken’s previous challenges aboard his RS Aero, Yodare, have been solo adventures, with supporters ashore.
He added: “For this adventure I really wanted someone to share exactly my experiences, so step forward Peter Barton, a world champion sailor in the RS Aero. His support throughout all my adventures has been constant and amazing. Having lost both his parents to cancer he totally gets why we keep undertaking these fundraising challenges and was keen to participate.”
![A dinghy on lakes](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/08/edPBO305.news_main.Ken_fowler_microadventure_062253-630x354.jpg)
It took the pair 28 hours to complete the challenge. Credit: Ken Fowler
For the non-stop ‘three lakes sailing challenge’, the duo split the return journey by sailing one length each.
They completed Loch Awe by a civilised 11am, before launching on to Windermere at 2.30am the following day, where light winds meant two slow traverses, before getting back on the road to the final lake Llyn Tegid (Bala), which was completed that same afternoon.
The pair completed the challenge in 28 hours, sailing 81 miles.
Upon becoming the first dinghy sailors to complete this epic challenge, Ken said: “We’ve set the mark for others to follow and I hope this record is broken many times by fellow sailors in the future. This challenge is achievable for many and the memories of the adventure will stay with you forever. Go out there and beat it – please!”
To find out more about Ken Fowler’s fundraising visit yodare.co.uk.
Ken Fowler: How I circumnavigated every island in England and Wales in a 4m dinghy!
RS Aero sailor Ken Fowler is the first person to sail solo around every island in England and Wales. He…
Southampton Boat Show 2024: all you need to know
From boat and gear launches to legendary sailors and a chance to get on the water, here is your complete…
Dinghy rescue: How I helped two teenagers recover their capsized boat
The evening was warm and pleasant with just enough wind to keep the sails filled; autumn dusk had begun to…
Dinghy sailing skills for cruisers
What can a lapsed cruising sailor learn from a dinghy course? A lot, as Ali Wood discovers when she returns…
Want to read more articles like Pair sail around the three longest lakes in England, Wales and Scotland in 28 hours?
![](https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/08/edPBO_cover_Oct.jpg)
A subscription to Practical Boat Owner magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.
Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.
PBO is packed with information to help you get the most from boat ownership – whether sail or power.
-
-
-
- Take your DIY skills to the next level with trusted advice on boat maintenance and repairs
- Impartial in-depth gear reviews
- Practical cruising tips for making the most of your time afloat
-
-
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter