Come and Try Day

Last Sunday, we held a come and try session, when unfortunately, it was too windy to go on the water, but which attracted a good turnout nevertheless. There was practise rigging, general boating chatter plus refreshments. A big thank you to Rachel Tudor, the Lightwoods and the Barlows for all their help on the day.

Sunday Racing

The current run of appalling mid-season weather makes it depressing to report on racing let alone to actually participate! Last Sunday was no exception with strong winds and unpleasant conditions. Despite a pre-start warning on conditions from OODs Paul and Julia Griffiths, 10 boats attempted the first race, but only four finished. Keith Jones (Streaker) sailed three laps to win with David Plester (Laser) also sailing three laps, coming second. Third was Paul Johnson (Solo) and fourth Tim Harrison (Laser Radial). Prudently, perhaps encouraged by the amount of swimming rather than sailing in the first race, those struggling in the conditions retired, and just five boats started the second race which resulted in another win for Keith, again followed by David with Tim advancing to third and Will Myers (Topper) coming fourth. Thanks to Peter Bower and crew and Ian and Will Myers for vital rescue support.

There is a single race this Sunday with a 10 am start. The forecast suggests a decent south, south west force 4 possibly even with no rain or mist for once.

Mid-Season

Results to date

Despite the weather, there has been a regular turnout of around 15 boats and 28 different boats have sailed at some time during the seven mid-season races so far. It is all very much to play for with closer competition so far than for many years. At this point in the series, Streaker Keith Jones has a slender lead ahead of Phantom Peter Bower and Solo Paul Griffiths who are on equal points not far behind with Solo Paul Johnson breathing down their transoms next. Some people have rather sabotaged their chances in the points competition by sailing different boats on different occasions as these have to be treated as separate competitors under club racing rules.

Rowing Races and much more

Tonight, the club is likely to be bulging at the seams for the rowing races, the darts, the blue films from the Irish Seam as well as the eating and drinking! How will the blade dippers fare against the sheet pullers in all this competition? Only way to find out is to be on the spot! Whoever wins, it is likely that the social enjoyment will prevail over all else.

Sail Training

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the sixth and last of the beginners training sessions and it is hoped that the participants will have gained understanding of the principles of sailing and wind awareness and can advance to the next stage. For novices with more skills and experience under their tiller hands, the transition to club racing sessions commence on Saturday, July 14.

Skipper's Mate