Sail Chat 26th April

A beautiful sunny day which turned very warm after a chilly start. Light easterly winds for the

morning handicap (8 mph with 15 mph gusts according to the Met Office) with five boats battling it

out on the water. Like the curate's egg, the wind was good in parts but with one or two holes where

the wind just stopped for all. On the downwind leg the return of the wind gave the laggards an

opportunity to catch up with the becalmed leaders, so overall the fleet kept well together.

Theseconditions seemed to suit the Comets on handicap with Alex first, closely followed by Tim second,

Dave G third, Claude in the Club Pico fourth and the Bunner's in their GP a valiant fifth.

After an enjoyable lunch supplemented by scrummy extras left from Saturday night's Round the

Island buffet, extra marks were laid for the afternoon race with the arrival of two Merlins. As

forecast, the core wind moved more to SSE but judging by the flag on Hampton church, the gusts

were all over the place so there was no great incentive to change course from the morning I E

pattern. In the Merlins, Stewart just pipped Andrew at the line to take first. With the arrival of

George and Peter, the Comets were swelled in number with line honours going to Tim after a well

fought race with Dave G. second. In the GPs, just two boats competed with John H winning out over

Kevin. In the Handicap, sadly no entries.

Thanks to my colleagues in the duty team, ADO Phil for his invaluable help with the racing, Hilary

and Sarah for timekeeping and last but not least, Alison and Sonia who prepared a lovely tea for us

all. A great easy day's sailing, enjoyed by all in lovely weather. No complaints, nobody drowned so I

think by any measure it can be counted a success.

Roger Ward (DO)

Last updated 9:22am on 29 April 2026