Sailchat Enterprise Open 10th September 2023
After two or three very hot windless days our open presented a light shifty breeze from an easterly direction. Race Team of Derek May and George Bell wisely postponed until 1130 for the first race. They set a short course in what wind there was, a beat down river, a gybe and then a run up to a windward mark, set up river. It was still very hot 28 to 30 degrees so short races were promised and given. In the hot box Rob Bunner and Alison Hewitt, comforted themselves with personal fans (the sort you cool yourself with). Seven boats raced, six from the home fleet (only two missing) and one very welcome visitor from Lensbury Chris Rowsell and Alastair. The start of the first race was held in sufficient breeze to get the whole fleet round the windward mark. Phili and Sophie had a good start but chose the wrong line and were overtaken, just before the mark, by Chris/Alastair, John/Harry and Ian/Susie, Chris jumped into the lead, this he held for two laps, chased by Phill/Sophie, John/Harry and Ian/Susie. The arbiter of this race was the run up river and choosing the right little flurry of breeze and where it was. After four hot laps but in considerate time, the finish was Phill/Sophie, Chris/Alastair, John/Harry.
It was great to have a visit from Peter Skingley one of our most mature members, he received a warm welcome in personal and climatic ways!
After a catering delight, of a healthy lunch, provided by Chris Bell, Mary May and Emily Bunner. The next race started after a good break. This was a considerable contrast in conditions, the sky had darkened, the wind had turned 180 and freshened considerably. The course was now in reverse but slightly longer upstream. There was a clean start with some out hiking, Phill/Sophie got it right this time and, whilst at times threatened by Chris/Alastair and John/Harry, were not caught. These conditions prevailed for about two laps and then the sky brightened and the breeze dropped. The finish was novel, the Commodore Michaela and team presented us all with ice creams. A great tradition which must be continued!
After a decent rest to re-hydrate the last race was held in the lightest of conditions but still with a gentle and at times faint south westerly. Phill/Sophie refrained, as the helm complained of exhaustion! This race was even more a labyrinth of breeze and placement and Ian/Susie crept out of fourth place to win.
A swimming party was held with Sophie and Ava, who outdid us all by swimming across the river and back, Harry performing off the balcony, Ellen with the 'bigger splash' and Angela and me drifting sedately.
After a home made tea of excellence the prize giving was held by the Commodore, The Sailing Secretary and Phill the Fleet Rep. 3rd was Ian and Susie, 2nd Chris and Alastair, 1st Phill and Sophie. The Thames Valley Youth Trophy was presented to Harry Bunner and the Thames Valley Ladies Trophy was presented to Jane and Ellen. The Sailing Secretary presented a glass to Ellen for her disguise! The Bar did a brisk trade with alcohol expert Graham in charge!
Full list of participants Phill Chambers/Sophie Penwarden 1st. 23218 HSC, Chris Rowsell and Alastair 2nd. 23249 Lensbury SC, Ian and Susie Peerless 3rd 22559 HSC, John Hollands and Harry Bunner 4th 23229 HSC, Jane Chambers and Ellen Cooper 5th 23162 HSC, Richard Cass and Claude Wheeler 6th 22526 HSC, Sarah Rolfe and Hannah Bridger 7th 23160 HSC,
Many thanks to all who participated and helped.
Philip Chambers HSC Enterprise Fleet Rep.,
Last updated 4:14pm on 13 May 2024