Sailchat 20th August 2023

Wisely just one race on this day with a lovely warm south west by west breeze blowing at about 12 to 14 mph. The Race team of Richard Parsloe and John Hollands set a sensible course to suit the conditions and were prepared to change it with the conditions at the leeward (gybe) mark off or near Garrick's Temple. The windward mark was in the cut at B and made the sailing there quite technical, the north bank favouring, with a helpful streak of wind- a great course and very enjoyable windward leeward race.

It was a points race but as there are trophies for LDR it was treated as a pursuit contest. The Topper Pinky Seaweed, sailed by Elize and Cousin, set off first followed by the Handicap fleet of David Solo, James and Fiona Comet, Roger Laser and the lone GP with George and Chris. Next off, two Enterprises Chris and Ra and me with Hannah. Last to go was the strongest fleet of Merlins, John Bell and Deirdre, Stuart with Nicola, John Heath and Colin and Hywell with Paul.

True to his international sailing reputation Richard planned the race meticulously, on the race board and on the water,timed to the second for the finish at 1600. Very close racing in all classes and well done Elize and Cus for representing the youth, Old Man River won thanks to his impeccable crew.

Excellent and most prompt timekeeping by Susan and Dorothy, with lots to work out. Also congratulations to Susan for the shiniest returned trophy I have seen at HSC for some time, won last year by Keefie and herself.

A delicious BBQ was served by Ian and Susie to 40 people thanks to the endeavours of our Social Secretary.

The tantalising mystery of the missing shorts last week (Shortsgate) was solved, apparently the fact that the respective owners both wear white shorts (how retro) was the culprit. It was noticed however that one label was of a more distinctive brand than the other! So those members of the club involved with this kind of marketing are not working in a vacuum!

Great work by the few that cleared up, washed up, stocked up and locked up. Not everybody does!

Finally - thanks to George and team who have secured the passage to the the Gents from the weather and hopefully from our unwanted and destructive visitors.

See you next week. Phill

Last updated 4:14pm on 13 May 2024