Sail Chat 13th August.2023
Breezy with plenty of shifting cloud cover provided us with a 15 mph SSW wind. Veteran members from Lymington Sue and Steve presided and James Bay was assistant race officer. Fiona and Nicola were timekeeping. Just three out AM, David Solo, James Comet and me with Jane Enterprise. It was quite a challenging wind with some interesting puffs. The course was different (of course Steve Harridge !) with a sort of double beat up river in the windiest bits and a gybe just off Bell Hill. Anyway we all stayed upright until the end of the hour race, except for David who managed a splash just off the pontoon coming in.
In the afternoon there were two Merlins racing, Richard and Philip and John Bell with Paul. The wind was still constant with some black bits on the river. In the Enterprises were Chris and Ra (breezy! Chris attends), Ian and Susie and Sarah with Hannah in Dame Blanch again. I wimped out as a big gust came through whilst I was rigging. Very close race between Ian and Chris with Chris capsizing on a beat but recovering quickly with nimble crew and then spending about four laps to catch Ian and Susie. The finish was a close run thing on the last beat to the line with Chris winning by a half a boat length. Sarah and Hannah provided the entertainment as Sarah evacuated the boat on the run to go swimming leaving Hannah in charge. This she did with some degree of dexterity, proved by the fact the boat stayed upright and not helped by roared instructions. There was considerable laughter from the water and the boat. The safety boat was always on hand. The scene, apart from the evacuation, was filmed by Mark, its worth a viewing.
Only James Peel with Claude and Graham in Comets for the Handicap. James gliding round and Graham, who rarely sails doing a great job staying upright to finish sans shorts! David decided to give it a miss due to wet gear and only one change. Very close race by the two GP's John and Sue and Derek with Susan, with place changes and canny tactics. The graceful Mary being still unwell.
Wonderful cakes and Sandwiches from Sue and Ian (multi tasking). Rather quiet bar for Shaun but on hand early.
The Commodore then reminded us of next weeks Long Distance Race (LDR) it is a class points race with the usual pm start times 1430 etc. The morning handicap will still be held at 1200. There is a BBQ after the LDR. Please inform Alison Hollands if you want to indulge? We also sang or croaked happy birthday to Michaela I think??
Finally our sailors abroad Brian, Amelia and Colin are all safely arrived in port.
Phill
Last updated 4:14pm on 13 May 2024