“I am writing to express my sincere thanks to the rescue & shore team at Draycote Water for my rescue during the Canoe open last month.

During race 2 on Saturday I had a nasty capsize approaching the windward mark - two gusts in quick succession (too quick for me that is). The canoe seat works well when horizontal, but changes to "slide" mode above about 45 degrees and I wasn't quick enough to avoid hitting the boat as it did so. I knew I had hurt myself and the first look at the gash in my wet suit & leg after clambering on to the hull of the canoe confirmed that I wasn't going to be sailing the boat back!

The rescue driver was with me before I realised (I had been waving in the direction of the committee boat!) and did not hesitate in agreeing with my conclusion. A high speed ride back to the club pontoon followed. Within minutes the paramedics arrived, finished the job of cutting the leg off my wetsuit and, having decided that there was no serious bleeding, gave me a few minutes to change in to some dry clothes before the trip to A&E. By 1830 & 15 stitches later I was back at DWSC for dinner!

Despite what was an active day for the rescue team they also assisted in recovering the canoe with no damage. Tony Robertshaw was plucked off the beach to sail it back in and the remaining canoe shore party helped make her safe for the night. Thanks guys.

This is the first time I have been taken off a boat due to injury and I don't intend to make a habit of it! I do want to express my thanks and appreciation for all those involved in my rescue and the recovery of Timewarp - too easy to take these facilities for granted. Great job. Thank you.

Hope to be back on the water soon - once I have found some canoe/bullet proof hiking shorts!”

Rob Bell, (AC GBR 298 Timewarp)