Club Racing
Two races were scheduled for last Sunday but the 4 pm start was delayed by late arrival on the water of competitors and an absence of the assistant race officer. David Eyre was press-ganged and kindly stood in to help Trevor Smith who was OOD.
Nine boats started the first race on a Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course in gusty challenging conditions resulting from a brisk force 3-4 westerly. The conditions provided considerable capsize practise with Chris Bannister achieving five - albeit all 'dry' capsizes (which for non sailors means that despite going over, the helm does not get fully immersed before righting his craft without having to get right into the water.)
Three good laps were completed with an excellent beat from the Pendine mark back to the harbour. Final positions were: 1. Paul Griffiths (Solo); 2. Alan Lambert (Solo); 3. Peter Bower (Phantom); 4. Chris Bannister (Solo).
Samantha Attwell (Topper), David Rollaston (Topper) and Chris (who had proved his capsizing skills), all retired before the second race which followed the same course. A slight shuffling of the pack at the finish with 1. Paul Griffiths, 2. Peter Bower, 3. Alan Lambert and gamely 4. Steve Hinksman (Topper).
Everybody knew they had been racing that day and all went home refreshed and invigorated!
These were the last two races in the Early Season Series and the new Mid Season races commence with an early start of 9.30 am this Sunday.
Sail Training
Last Saturday's training session was also quite challenging with a good turnout and a few 'interesting' capsizes. Our non-capsize champion, Harry Hinksman, finally succumbed with a cool baptism. The Laser Bug was given a second outing and Harry Myers sailed it very well. All trainees are asked to bring their logbooks this coming Saturday (28th) as this is the final session of improvers training.
Many thanks to all those who have helped with sail training so far this season, without their help we would not be able to operate. Beginners will be starting on June 4 and any members who are available to help in any capacity on or off the water are always welcome.
Coppet Week
Coppet Week looms ever nearer and a goodly turnout is again expected with a wide variety of boat classes competing.
The first three races are to be run from the race box on the end of the quay which should provide a great spectacle for those watching from the shore.
The first race starts at 3 pm on Sunday 29th, the second at 4 pm on Monday 30th and then 4.30 pm on the Tuesday. The races on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - all with a 10.30 am start, will be run from a committee boat and thus be somewhat further out in the bay to fit in with the tides
The club will be open for the entire week during the racing and on the Sunday everyone is welcome for afternoon teas provided by the RNLI in support of that good cause. There is also a full evening social programme for the week which will be detailed in the next report.
There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work planning a major event like Coppet Week and our thanks go especially to Rolfe John who, despite illness, has been working away to ensure the usual excellent event.
Skipper's Mate