Sail Chat - 4th May

From our lovely Mediterranean weather during the week we were treated to a chilly and gusty north easterly. Derek and Rob Bunner set a short course down and then up river within sight of the club. Due to the east in the wind the gusts were not confined to the graveyard off Bell Hill but gave a nice goose wing run up-river at times.

Competing there was a true medley of boats in the morning handicap. Safa (new member) and Trevor in a GP, Elise in her smart new Aero, Claude Pico, James, Peter with Fabi, David (welcome back to our valued sailing secretary with a new ear) and I think I saw Alex too, in Comets. I had Olivia (daughter of Fabi and James in the Enterprise). It was a tricky and flukey race course with lots of bluster and sometimes a puff or none at the windward mark. Courageous sail by Elise who had one long capsize and one short one but prevailed to finish. Safa, in the GP, led the fleet for the whole race until the last up river gybe mark, as when he tacked off, he was hit by a nasty gust and capsized. Well done to Olivia too for tough jib work and keeping us upright, as she is light.

In the afternoon with the Enterprises off first came Ian with Sarah and me again with Olivia. Ian shot off, helped by his full rig and Sarah, never to be caught. The GP fleet had John Hollands with Alex and Trevor out with Susan. In the Comets were George, James, Peter and Fabi and David. Merlins out were John Heath with Saffa and Richard Page with Sue Morley.

Timekeepers Alison Philips and Emily. Two cakes award to Chris, Emily and Ava, see pic on WhatsApp of one, celebrating victory in Europe 80 years ago. So here's hoping!

See you next week Sunbury Rally to Cooper Castle on Saturday and start of the second series Sunday.

Phill

Last updated 9:37pm on 11 May 2025