Sail Chat - 8th June

Firstly! An apology to Marilyn who I left out as a valued Time Keeper last week.

Saturday was extremely wet but the spirits of the young pirates and the piratical organisers were not dampened. It was a glorious frolic, mostly land and chain ferry based. The enthusiasm and corresponding decibel levels are illustrated on the club WhatsApp pics! Great credit to the Capn Smollets in charge of the games and BBQ. The most sophisticated plank for walking was indeed a work of art. The outfits were truly outstanding, well done the team Hampton.

Sunday was a considerable contrast, dry with scattered fast moving cloud mainly from a sort of westerly direction. It swirled and backed inviting dips! Good morning show with Rob/Emily in their GP, Elise in her Aero, James, David and Tim in Comets and me with Paul in the Enterprise. The gybe mark, off the graveyard proved challenging as the wind did something not funny as one gybed! Likewise the windward mark invited going into irons. To be expected with a foxy like race team of John Bell and Roger Ward. The race was fast and furious with some lapping and place changing. Most unfortunately our Sue in the timekeepers box was taken ill but fortunately Hannah SRN was with her. Thus the times were confused as counting boats comes second to nursing care. All was sorted though thanks to Fiona and the Hon Sailing Sec, the latter by some, no doubt, legitimate means coming first. Get well soon Sue?

PM saw little change in the conditions, still with 18 mph gusts and then relative calms mid course. Out first were Ian/Sarah and me/Paul for a very tight battle with lead changes and near capsizes. In the Comets were Peter OTI, Philip with two or three retired pirates, still armed! James, David and Tim. A lone rather ancient Merlin was out steered by Hywell and crewed by new member Ian. George generously gave up his sail to sort out Sue's car.

Catering was by Deirdre on her todd, two piece prize for the victoria sandwich! Expert bar work by Mark and the time keeping was then done by the now expert Fiona aided by Susie. An exhausting but very enjoyable days sailing.

Phill

Last updated 8:27am on 13 June 2025