SPEED restrictions along Windermere have created a "haven of peace and tranquillity", according to the Lake District National Park Authority chairman.

Writing in the forthcoming Lake Windermere newsletter, David Thornton said the speed restrictions on England's longest lake have brought an abundance of sails, paddles and oars.

Numbers collated by the Lake Patrol Team - which recorded boat numbers in the peak summer months of July, August and September during 2004 and 2005 have revealed Windermere has become the place to sail, windsurf, canoe and row. Canoeing was up by 170 per cent, rowing by 138 per cent and sail cruising by 40 per cent.

Conversely, there was a 100 per cent drop in the number of jet skis using the lake, compared with the same period last year.

Speedboats towing skiers and boarders plummeted by 87 per cent and speedboats dropped by 57 per cent.

"On a personal level, my family and I have all enjoyed the lake much more this s ummer," said Mr Thornton.

"Fears about washes have largely been dispelled and the weather has helped to make it much more fun.

"It has been most encouraging to see new small businesses starting up to give canoeing and sailing instruction for youngsters and families.

"One of the most frequent comments I hear is how the number of small sailing boats and canoes has increased on the lake."