Sunday 6th April

The strong easterlies with a difficult touch of north continued this weekend. Rob Heath and Tim Herbert-Smith officiated and it proved important to have an experienced team on duty. Only three takers in the blustery conditions, David and James in Comets and me with Paul Enterprise. David decided it was too much and retired but the other two kept going. I found it more survival than sailing as the beats required much spilling and adjusting and the gybes upriver were hairy. The two of us stayed upright to finish thanks to an early shorten course by the team. Sarah ventured out with Hannah, they always seem to go out in howlers, but with a big gust on a tack they perished before the start.

In the afternoon the Enterprises were off first with Ian and Ben and me with Paul having our usual close encounters mine finished as we came off the down river mark on Ian's transom, as we gybed onto starboard the GP of Kevin came into the same mark, at speed, calling rights, to avoid a collision I bore away hard, fatal in a strong wind and the pole out, we capsized. The two GP's had Kevin with Maddie and John with Sue (wearing a very fashionable sailing top).

In the Handicap class Comets were sailed by David and James, Nigel was in his Solo. I hope the new windfinder survived the willow tree David? Three Merlins out John with Deirdre, Stu with Nicola and Hywell crewed by Alex, who flew the spinnaker ably.

Super tea by Jo and Jade with the most varied and delicious cakes. Thanks Jade for your sweater it smelt of very nice perfume!

Super job of Timekeeping by Ali and Susie, especially the morning advice. Many thanks to the rescue teams who did sterling work for me and someone else at the same time.

Phill

Last updated 8:20pm on 29 May 2025