Sail Chat - 27th July
Hot sun and just a feather of a breeze from everywhere welcomed the few in the morning. Something of a hiatus as the race team was missing, the race officer watching Simone Biles, which given her quite staggering performance was as good excuse as any. However most present dug in and prepped the club, David the boats, Sarah sweeping, Fiona multi tasking rigging the Topper and supervising the timekeeping and me generally turning things on, fencing, scraping, unlocking (all those locks ridiculous) and real light relief putting up the flags with Guy and Sacha. Now these two (apparent ages 9 and 11) appeared in company of the Hon Sailing Secretary and provided much light relief for the rest of the day. Fortunately the deputy Tim arrived with Millie the time keeper and although not having done the jobs before quickly slotted in running the race and helped me rig.
Therefore after a short postponement, off set Elise Topper, Claude club Pico, David with Guy and Sacha Comet and me with Sarah who helmed most of the time in the Enterprise. Just enough of a whisper of breeze to get round but hard work for the Topper, which is underpowered for this kind of nothingness. Much jollity and advice in the Comet as David managed to retain some level of levity to cross the line first. Quite a rowdy lunch time as our two young visitors interrogated elderly members regarding their age and hair whilst consuming quantities of very sweet liquor.
In the afternoon a few more arrived including an abashed race officer. In the GP's were Derek and Sue (Mary was resting but present) George and Chris. Fortunately the breeze had increased but was still cyclonic. In the Merlins were John and Deirdre and Stuart with Nicola. The premier class had David with Sasha Comet, Roger Laser and Claude Pico. In the Enterprises we had the biggest fleet, for once, with Jane and Sarah, Ian with Ivan (new member), Sarah with Hannah and me with Guy, who had made the selection. One particular incident proved to be both unfortunate for some but amusing for others. At one stage through the race, whilst some boats were passing going to windward and other running down, a freak momentary cyclone hit. Stuart and Nicola were the unfortunates and promptly capsized, others were in positions where they just increased speed or missed its full force. This caused almost hysteria in my boat as Guy found this hilarious and rather decreased my concentration. To add to this insult Stu lost the lead to John, who I swear looked slightly smug! Jane/Sarah and Ian/Ivan had a very close race throughout with many place changes, me and Guy and Sarah Hannah ambled along behind.
The habitual swimming party commenced, no Dutchies this week but Sarah, Hannah, Tim, Millie, me and 'of course' Sasha and Guy.
Tea was excellent from Jo and her helpers and the Commodore addressed us and then, like Alice, we eventually went home.
See you next week when I am bringing a couple of young people to try out sailing. Help might be required?
Phill
Last updated 7:44pm on 8 September 2024