A SAILOR had to be rescued from a reservoir when his boat capsized.

The man, who is understood to be in his 50s, was out on Lake Burwain, in Foulridge, yesterday when part of the equipment from his single-handed one-sail boat broke.

He was stranded on the side of the water furthest away from the clubhouse and a passer-by called the emergency services when they saw the man in distress.

The sailor was a member of Burwain Sailing Club and another member of the group launched a rescue boat.

Innes Armstrong, the club’s captain, said that although it would not be recommended to go out on the water in such cold conditions, because the man was a club member he was free to sail as often as he liked.

He said: “A gentleman from the club went out for a New Year’s sail.

“Part of the equipment broke and he got stuck at the wrong side of the lake.

“A member of the public phoned the emergency services and they all turned up.

“The man was very cold, but he was dressed in the right gear so he was absolutely fine.

“They was not the ideal conditions to go for a sail as it was too cold but, as a member, he is welcome to use the lake.”

Insp Phil Hutchinson said police and two fire engines had been mobilised.

He said: “The man went out for a sail and capsized.

“He should not have been out there by himself and we had to dispatch two fire engines and response cars out there all through his stupidity.”