Sail Chat 31st August
Sun and clouds with a fresh southerly blowing with some healthy gusts. the team Trevor, Alex and Rob set an upriver start, which was about right, and a mark downriver off the graveyard off the Church Lawn, which gave for a frisky gybe. Only three worthies out Tim and James Bay Comet and me with Olivia (13), fresh from her course in Oppies in Malta, in the Enterprise.
The first three laps allowed for one beat, fetch up to D mark. This mark produced a sudden backing and veering of the wind and a nearly capsize. Then for the rest of the race the wind veered sharply and suddenly westward which required tacking, often right to the Middlesex bank to lay it. The wind strength increased as the race went on and Tim got blown onto a lee shore at the ferry and James capsized approaching the last gybe mark but with a quick recovery, this allowed the Enterprise to win by one second, which managed to stay upright with the help of a lively crew.
In the afternoon we were joined by many others and an increase in wind strength which now introduced a windward leeward course but with a bias for the port tack. Great show of the premier class of Comets with the added delight of children crewing. in some. Philip had Sammy, James Warren had Charlie, daughters Delilah and Elodie in his, George, Tim and James Bay. James encountered a considerable gust, there was a squeal and two crew were deposited on the island to lighten the load. There were a few capsizes but I don't know who. Philip won, sailing a blinder but James seemed hard done by with the number of crew he carried. I was delighted to see Peter's old boat out full of children, as he will be when told.
Only one GP John and Sue and me with Paul in the Enterprise. The wind was high and challenging and it was only Paul's counterpoise that kept us upright. We both just did three laps and I was relieved to come in without damage.
Three Merlins competing Stu and Nicola, John and Deirdre (or was it Ian) and Hywel with Claude. Spinnakers were out for Stu and Nicola but not sure about the others.
Time Keeping was by Alison, Maddie and Sarah Peacock. Catering by Jane Chambers who get my two slice award for her home made cakes and Chris my award for child care.
Philip.
Last updated 2:19pm on 2 September 2025