Sail Chat 19th April

Just a few knots of light northerly breeze that occasionally died off and veered North Westerly

made sailing conditions tricky. Although the sun was welcome and took the chill off the day.

The morning race was a competitive two boat race with Phil Chambers sailing solo in the

enterprise and Tim solo in the comet. Tim was leading through the early stages only to be

overtaken by Phil who led the charge for the win but was overtaken at the last by Tim.

In the afternoon three Merlin Rockets took to the water with Stuart and Nicola, Richard and Sammy

and Andrew sailing solo. Andrew started well but was overtaken by Stuart and Nicola who sailed

on in the lead for four and half laps to take the win.

In the Comet Versa's were James and Delilah, Phil crewed by Charlie with James Bay and Tim

sailing solo. Phil and Charlie enjoyed the best start (again!) and went on to eek out the increasingly

sporadic puffs of breeze to hold first position throughout and take the win.

Two boats each for the GP's and Enterprises. Kevin and Maddy and then John Hollands and Sue

Horley in the GP. Kevin and Maddy were late to the line but caught up and overtook John and then

sailed to glory. Phil Chambers again sailed solo in the Enterprise. After a competitive start Ian and

Sue took an early turn at the 'I' mark sailed halfway back up river. A reminder from the duty officer

that they are sailing to a very distant 'J' mark sent them scuttling back downstream. With a stroke

of luck and a fortunate breeze and they were back in contention as it looked like Phil was

struggling with the doldrums opposite Astoria. Ian and Sue capitalised and at some point on the

upstream beat overtook him and stayed in the lead to the finish line.

The shortening of courses with boats coming upstream and downstream mostly all at once led to

some confusion in the timekeepers box but ever the professional Hilary kept calm where everyone

else (yours truly on his first timekeepers stint) struggled amidst the chaos. I think George was on a

sugar low and in need of cake. I have no reports on the cake and tea session that followed as I had

to be back sharpish for Elvins 9th birthday but I bet it was good.

Last updated 10:32am on 20 April 2026