Sail Chat 24th August

This was a very light wind day, mainly from the south, backing to to the east and not more that 3 to 5 mph and sometimes not at all. The morning handicap went ahead with just Comets racing. Tim/Claude, Peter, David, Alex/Jade and James. John Bell assisted by Richard Parsloe set an up and down course which was mainly a fetch down and up. There were some clearly rippled area and some flat bits, it was finding the ripples that counted. David had a handsome new yellow kicker which probably had the ability to keep the boom of a Flying Dutchman down, it was much admired., the fashion being set by Philip come lately Dalby. There is lately much twitching in the class. I was assured it was a trying sail.

In the afternoon it was the Long Distance Race and 17 boats came out. John and Richard tried valiantly to find wind and sent the fleet down to a loop below Garricks Ait and back up to the start line off the club. They were of course confounded as the best breeze turned out to be above Garricks and sometimes not much of that.

With a big fleet of pursuit boats and very light airs, dirty wind played a big part. Off first were the main fleet of Comets, Philip/Charlie, Tim/Claude, George/Chris, Alex/Jade, James and very titchy Elodie, James Bay and David ( who found it too trying and retired). I think Elise went with them but she certainly sailed. Next were the GP's, John with Sue, Trevor with Yogmur (quite 'G') and Derek with son Andrew. Then the lone Enterprise me with Sarah Peacock. Last off were the Merlins with Stu and Nicola, Hywel with the Vice Commodore Sarah and Richard with Ian. The race lasted nearly one hour for the first off and Philip/Charlie in the Comet maintained their winning record. Great stuff in those conditions. The Goodwins also paddled the course and probably did quite well.

The usual very high standard BBQ by the Commodore and healthy salads by other members. The Bar was run meticulously by Paul, as would be expected of a Dutchman with vast experience of licenced premises.

Just a further mention of Richard Parsloe. Richard is probably the most successful sailor from Hampton SC. He has sailed with most of the top sailors in the UK, including many series with Laurie Smart winning the Etchell Nationals a number of times and coming second in the Worlds. His abilities on the foredeck are renowned and sought after. He has been a professional sailor all his working life, a no mean feat and remained a loyal member of HSC. He informed me he has now retired. I am certain we all wish him well and hope to hear his dulcet tones at the club for many years to come.

Phill

Last updated 8:26pm on 28 August 2025