A NEW sailing school is aiming to make a big splash with an eye on next year's impending 10mph speed limit on Windermere.

Windsurfing and sailing tuition will be on offer at the newly-launched Windermere Sailing and Adventure. The two water sports are expected to grow in popularity on Windermere after the speed limit comes into force on March 29, 2005.

The new business venture, run by senior instructor James Forbes and Xandra Vrancken, will be based in the outbuilding, waterfront and slipway owned by Ambleside Youth Hostel. Xandra said: "We are absolutely thrilled to open a sailing and windsurfing school on the shore of Windermere at YHA Ambleside. Using their facilities, we hope children and adults enjoy sailing and windsurfing and never forget their adventure on the lake."

Ian Stephens, deputy chief executive of Cumbria Tourist Board, said: "I'm very pleased to see that the YHA is working in partnership to develop a new business which will take advantage of the changing circumstances on Windermere. The quieter conditions on the lake will be ideal for activities such as sailing."