Sail Chat 12th April

Morning Handicap

And we're off! The Class flag was raised by Alan with great aplomb, ADO, suitably attired with his

waterproof and radio controller already set to channel 08. Within what seemed like only seconds

(all 60 of them) the Blue Peter was raised with equal efficiency at the 4 minute. This clearly gave

signal for the heavens to open, as a shower of rain and a huge squall went through, as did a canal

barge (who had better remain nameless) the only boat on the reach, travelling on the wrong side of

the river and snaring our racing mark on its way by. About fourteen less than perfect tubs were in

moored presence on the Hurst Park bank, with the ever pervading smell of cannabis wafting across

the water to give our sailors a boost as they go by. Whatever happened to good old fashioned

Gaulois?

The Morning Handicap racers have now cast off from the Island, and are 'on the water', and at

11.59, with the bells of St Marys' ringing in the background, Marilyn, chief Timekeeper of the day,

sounded the one minute and the Blue Peter was lowered. The Start rapidly followed, and was

sounded with force no jostling about on the line today. Tim H-S, helm of Comet 317 Popeye,

looking focused and on point as any 'Sailorman' should; the only boat venturing out in the blustery

conditions.

Trevor, Duty Officer of the day, remarked it was a South Westerly, gusting 18-20 mph, despite the

earlier forecast of 14 mph. Now, Claude looking resplendent in a red buoyancy aid, and Tim in a

contrasting Blue one to match his boat, were off with a vengeance.

12.12 first lap completed a very pleasant reach in progress.

12.21 second lap completed still upright and sailing superbly.

12.31 third lap completed still sailing well with a perfectly executed beat upstream taking

in the whole width of the river no trees involved.

12.36 on rounding the top mark, the Shortened Course flag (white with a blue centre) and

re-christened for today only as Veronica the inverse to the Blue Peter (blue with a white

centre), was hoisted by Alan on Trevor's command.

12.38 after an excellent last run Comet 317 finished first, or was it last no definitely

first!

Interviewing the lead helmsman after the race, he commented "it was actually a very pleasant sail,

with not a capsize in sight". The crew added "it was a brilliant sail, and the helm was a perfect

gentleman". By this, we assume (though one should never assume) that the crew was happy to not

have been dipped in the water.

Lunch

Available for the Duty team and Sailors alike to purchase, Madeline provided an appetizing lunch of

fresh sliced brown bread, Branston pickle and silver-skin onions, with a choice of a good strong

Cheddar, Wensleydale, and Stilton, together with choice of a hearty pea and ham soup, or tomato

and basil. Much appreciated.

Afternoon Points Race

No time for a fun blog on this race relief I hear you all cry! Boats a plenty, and wind of every force

and in every direction requiring deep concentration on the tasks at hand.

2.25 Merlin first 5 minute sounded and Merlin 3088 helmed by Andrew and crewed by

Ellie, screamed past the timekeepers' box, swiftly followed by the narrower 1222 helmed by

Richard and crewed by grandson Sammy, with 3347 helmed by Hywel and crewed by Claude

(out for her second sail of the day) approaching the melee from the downward end of the

Island.

2.29 At the one minute, the Blue Peter was taken down and all action ensued with all three

boats swarming around the start line, and gusts a plenty.

2.30 A prompt lively start in true Merlin fashion, and within the blink of an eye, on

rounding the top Mark, Ellie had their fetching pale blue spinnaker up, swiftly followed by

Hywel with signal red. The Merlins were off.

2.35 Class flag for the Comets was hoisted. Blue 317 Popeye - Tim H-S was out single-

handed with jib furled, Red 355 George was also out single-handed with both sails in use.

Red 226 Poppy Phil D crewed by son Charlie were out, both sails in use, with Charlie

helping balance the boat.

2.39 Blue Peter down swiftly followed by the Comets off!

2.45 GP class flag was raised. White GP 14035 Kraken John H on the helm and Phil C

crewing how many years of experience in that boat we wondered.

2.50 GP start, and the boat roared across the line to join the other boats on the water.

Of note during the afternoon was the close race between Andrew and Hywel on the Merlin's second

lap, with the strong south westerly gusting at 20 mph, with Richard and Sammy sailing a perfect race

and right on their stern. The gusting South Westerly was, however, momentarily too much for

Comet 226 with Phil D and son Charlie, capsizing on the downward leg, and both helm and crew

going for a swim. A textbook recovery of boat, crew and helm, orchestrated by Phil D in quick time,

and all credit to Charlie who sailed on and finished the race, no doubt damp and freezing. Excellent

seamanship was demonstrated from the large motor boat Strawberry Moon, as it slowed down for,

and then moved away from, the racing dinghies.

he next downward leg saw great goose-winging

from John H and Phil C in the GP, followed by Andrew and Ellie tacking in perfect unison on their

next upward leg. With the wind continuing to display strong gusts, George demonstrated to

perfection how to do a dry capsize, nimbly stepping over the side onto the centreboard as his Comet

355 flipped onto its side, then immediately pulling the boat back up, and climbing straight back in! I

took note! Less clear was Claude's new action of river dipping from Hywel's Merlin, but Hywel held

firm and and demonstrated great skill in keeping his boat as upright so it did not capsize down on

top of his crew, and soon Claude was back in position, jib pulled in tight, hair glistening from a

double if not triple Thames rinse. I'm not sure this will be taken up by other members wanting a

quick coiffure!

Congratulations to Andrew and Ellie first Merlin, Phil D and Sammy first Comet, and John H and

Phil C first (and only) GP.

Tea

After all the activity a very welcome tea was provided for all members by Alison P and Madeline,

with great tuna and cucumber or egg sandwiches available and a range of cakes, including a very

notable bread pudding. Again our thanks nothing quite like a sailing club tea to encourage post

sailing camaraderie. Thanks to Malcolm & Marilyn for the fizzy stuff to celebrate Malc's 80th birthday.

Finally

Over to Alan, who was doing a brisk trade at the Bar!

Last updated 3:23pm on 15 April 2026