Sail Chat - 8th September
An almost windless day with spots of rain were the lot of the duty team of Derek May and George Bell. Whilst it appeared as a drifting north easterly, it often disappeared. Only four local boats and one determined visitor took part.
After an postponement the fleet set out for a slow beat down river and an even slower reach/run up, which proved to be the arbiter. On a short course the boats were never far apart and the lead held in the first race by Phill Chambers and Sophie Penwarden was overtaken by visitors from Minima, Robin Broomfield and Zowie Van den Bosch, taking a corridor on the north bank. Then there was a considerable hole in the wind and they were then overtaken again by Phill and Sophie and Ian and Susie Peerless. After a tasty lunch by Chris Bell and Chrissy Dunman we all resumed to another crawler. This time the results were shaken up by Ian and Susie winning on the last beat and Phill Sophie having to do penalty turns for Robin two metres from the finish line.
The last race was held after much deliberation as to whether to abandon, postpone or start. The race team went for it and we all drifted to the line some being over. The first 'windward' mark proved to be the tester for all. Phill/Sophie hit the mark and Robin/ Zowie gently shunted Phill's transom. There then followed and Enterprise circular dance and a drift backwards. Then, only just in sight and sound signals were heard and flags flown. Robin and Jane assumed it was an abandonment and paddles were applied. Sophie, who is a experienced Merlin crew, a fleet which does much flag waving especially black ones said 'that is not an abandon flag, go for it'! Go did not really apply but joined by Ian and Susie, after about 20 minutes, we managed to get to the Surrey bank and short tack (the whispers had switched) to the finish. We would all like to thank the duty team for their diligence and patience, a delicious tea and calming Bar.
Results and Awards.
1st Philip Chambers and Sophie Penwarden E23218
2nd Ian and Susie Peerless E22559
3rd Robin Broomfield and Zowie Van Bosch E22705
4th Jane Chambers and Sarah Peacock E23162
5th Sarah Rolfe and Paul Wennekes E23160
The River Trophy was won by Ian and Jo Mc Gregor of Lensbury as they were not present our National Officer, Ann Jackson presented it to Philip and then retained it for delivery.
The Ladies Cup was presented by Ann to Jane and Sarah.
The River Series Silver Cup was won by Chris Rowsell of Lensbury SC
The Hampton Enterprise Trophy was presented by the Commodore Ian to Philip and Sophie.
Last updated 4:08pm on 13 October 2024