Sail Chat - 19.05.2024

Nice gentle north easterly which favoured the middle of the river to the Surrey bank, with still some stream. Derek and Richard Cass officiated and set a down-stream windward mark and an up-steam mark, lending to a nice boom out run. In the morning James Bay was in his Comet and David was in one too, Elise was in her Topper and Jane was helming the Enterprise with me as crew. Interesting start for the Ent as the other three shot away which involved a couple of 360's and a bit of mark dragging. Very enjoyable race for exactly an hour in sunshine and a constant breeze, except at times off Garricks Ait.

In the afternoon we were joined by Rob and Jo in their traditional Merlin, Sarah and Hannah in Dame Blanche, Me and Jane in Enterprises, Philip with three young crew (Sammy, Charlie and friend), James and David, all in Comets and John with Sue and George with Chris in GP's. If anything the breeze had dropped but there was still enough to stem the stream and get round the marks. As in the morning the Garrick Cut was the arbiter and was really tricky to negotiate. There were a few dynamic gusts on the run, some kept going past the mark to avoid the gybe, but it caught out Sarah and after an interesting 360 she sailed on only to capsize near the Surrey bank. No harm done just wet!

Timekeepers were Mary, Delicious Tea by Ellie (Rhubarb Cake ace). John Rolfe was our reliable barman.

Phill

Last updated 11:25am on 21 July 2024