Sail Chat 25th May
Sunday was sunny with cloudy interruptions and as the clouds scudded over the vicious squalls came in from a westerly direction, with a touch of south at times, as they raced over and through the trees and buildings on the north bank. This made for unpredictable sailing our weather station showing from 10 mph up to, at one stage 31 mph. In the morning Elise braved it in her Aero, Claude Topper, James and David Comets, Super Nige in his Solo and me with Olivia in the Enterprise, fortunately with the reduced rig. Rapidly the race course became a scene of upturned boats or parked on lee shores. Elise capsized many times and said she had lost count this week but she persevered until eventually the Commodore claimed the Aero and sailed it back. David wisely retired, James capsized once, unusually but in the family tradition sailed on. The Enterprise held the Solo off for three laps but as the gusts increased and the energy decreased, the Solo and Nigel forged ahead. Definitely a day for ''Here come da Solo'' (with apologies to Hip Hopper Pigmeat Markham). Really well done to all who went out especially our youth, Elise and Olivia, my crew, for a fearless performance. Only two finishers Nigel and James.
The afternoon proved similar in conditions. Taking out, very experienced GP team of John and Sue, before their start. Two Comets David with Alex crewing and James, in the Enterprise Ian helmed and I crewed, we sailed with the Comets and had a cracking, close race with them, just crossing the line first but if it had been a handicapped race James would have claimed it. Andrew and Ellie had a faultless, lone, race, using the spinnaker in Merlin 'Heaven Sent', which the wind certainly was not.
Duty team in the morning was Ian and James (Olivia's Dad) and in the Afternoon Jane and James. Both teams were very busy! Time Keeping was by Michaela (good to see you back) and Fiona. Excellent Tea served by Jade and Susie. John Rolfe our impeccable Barman served drinks.
Whist a discussion was held as to the success and excess of the Rebellion Brewery visit, Andrew gave us a very important presentation on how the dreaded liquid can affect one chemically, listing the types which give the worst effects and the ones that are not so bad. Fortunately beer is relatively low on the headache graph, red wine and some spirits very high. Thank you Andrew - most valuable.
Finally safe return passage to our comrades in Dunkirk, although one hears La Voiture and car ferry may have taken over due to aforementioned weather.
Next Saturday is The Mid Thames Trophy so do come and support our intrepid team. Should be some nice scoff too.
Phill
Last updated 8:20pm on 29 May 2025