Sail Chat 11th May

Saturday was the annual race up to Cooper Castle which enjoyed a very fair easterly, which have become a bit of a good habit recently. There was a good turn out and the fleet with results is shown on the website as I was not there. The traditional sports both Dutch and English were played and a sumptuous fare supplied by the generous hosts and participants.

Sunday, again had a fresh easterly 9 to 15 mph, not a gentle breeze as forecast by Auntie! Setting forth in the morning were David, Peter OTI, James in Comets, Elise in her RS Aero and me with Olivia (with reduced rig). This was an exhilarating race with tippy beats and gyby runs, with some very interesting gusts. Great effort by both our youth, Elise not so many swims this week and Olivia tugging hard on the jib and counter balancing quickly.

The afternoon brought out Jane with Sarah P and me with Olivia again in Enterprises, the senior service in GP's had Kevin and Maddie, George and Chris and Trevor with Ian Tanton. Close race in this fleet as I was able to observe it as we often caught each other and passed them, due to a seperated gybe mark. George/Chris stayed ahead for a good part of the race but Kevin/Maddie got a super lift to the windward mark and took the lead. Unfortunately Trevor and Ian had a dip near the top mark, where at times the wind accumulated and twitched. Get it over with early in the season Trev! In the Comets were James, David and Peter again with the Hon Sailing Secretary performing a lap of 'honour' having missed the finish bell. I know that Andrew and Ellie sailed in the Merlin fleet but I am not sure if John Heath was out too, he is so shy and retiring that I missed him and crew, apologies.

Rob and Graham were on duty and the racing ran like Swiss clockwork. Time was by Sarah R and Mr Gadget, James. Scrumptious tea by Jo and Fabi, with the two piece cake award yet again, although I did refrain. Bar by Graham, wrestling with the very pesky beer taps. Super beer but the little silver canisters are not very EF.

Cracking weekend sailing which will be hard to beat, long may it continue. Safe passage to the Little Ships!

Phill

Last updated 12:39pm on 12 May 2025