Sail Chat - 20th July

Constrained by the Molesey youth rowing regatta, Stuart and Nicola, the duty team, made a good job of herding the fleets away from the upper Surrey bank. With a frisky south easterly, rain showers and dark clouds we started down stream to a mark off the Church Lawn and a short F mark off the Middlesex bank. In the morning handicap there was David, Tim, Peter and Alex and me with Paul in the Enterprise. This was primarily a reaching race with the gybe mark the arbiter of the race. One or two incidents at this mark as the breeze could become cyclonic. Due to the close proximity of the fleet throughout the 15 laps (yes 15 must be a record!) but mathematician Alison (Timekeeper) had two race sheets to prove it, the handicap kicked in hard and the biblical quote 'first shall be last' came in with a vengeance. The Ent led for all the 14 but hit the mark and did a penalty. David who had followed doggedly sailed on to win.

If anything the wind freshened in the afternoon and there were a few capsizes and retirements. In the Comets were Richard Page (What!) David, Tim, Peter and Alex having an action packed race. In the GP's Derek and Mary (briefly), George and Chris, not quite so briefly, Trevor with Yogmur (silent G) and Rob with Emily. Apart from the Comets the other fleets all went to a J mark which, at times proved to be again cyclonic. Incident here twixt an Ent and GP for which the Ent drank his coffee. Only two Enterprises again but a very close race ensued, the Commodore and Sarah succeeding. A very close tussle in the Merlin race between John/Deidre, Hywel/ John Hollands (hmm crewing now?) and John Heath with Safa. I found it an enjoyable but exhausting race as the wind was strong at times but it might be because of the previous 15 laps. Historic! along with the 15 laps, in the afternoon we even had a G turning mark.

Time was by Sue and Alison and a delicious tea was by Lizzy Dalby and a very welcome visit by Sophie Peerless. The two slice is again awarded. Great turn out lets keep it up.

Phill

Last updated 3:41pm on 26 August 2025