Sail Chat - 6th July

Interesting weather patterns emerging away from the heat wave on this day. Still only a few sailors out in the morning but held together by the Comet fleet, somewhat reduced by regulars Peter OTI on duty and Tim timekeeping. Nigel and Peter set a long course upriver and then a mark just below the Church Lawn which at first suited the gentle south west by west breeze but had a tendency to die at times, making the middle of the course very tricky. Competing in Comets were Alex, David and James and the lone Ent was sailed solo by me. Jinky RS Aero much missed. James was off the pace, he likes a strong blow but Alex and David kept the Enterprise well in sight. Masterstroke by the race team as large black clouds gathered from the north, with rumbles of thunder, they shortened the course and the lead boats finished dry as suddenly the rain came down hard. Those further back had a cooling shower of some intensity.

In the afternoon the course was shortened considerably and the fleet was joined by John Heath and Saffa and Hywell with Nicola in Merlins. David and Alex were joined by Philip and I went out in the Ent again. The Merlins starting later. Very light airs again and about twenty minutes in, once again, the black clouds threatened from the north. One rumble was enough for the lone Ent it promptly retired. Once again a considerable rain lashed in from the north, the wind increased and veered to the north sharply. The wet gusts caused some to surge and some to spill. This only lasted a few minutes and pond like surface was resumed. Alex and Philip persevered, David retired wet and the Merlins had an intense close encounter.

Excellent tea from Dorothy and studied timekeeping by Margaret and Tim. The Vice Commodore was present and assisted at the bar and cash machine.

Phill

Last updated 2:17pm on 14 July 2025