The forecast was indicating up to 20 knots, but was actually a 14 knot southerly. 13 dinghies set sail on a new course created by duty officer, Dave, with “gates” to choose from on the top mark, then downwind, keeping the green marker to port, reaching across to a wing mark (golf course side), quick gybe around the wing mark, reaching to another set of gates, down to the bottom mark and repeat (not going through the finish line until the 2nd lap).
It was a handicap start to a maximum of 10 minutes (Peter Fell, sailing “Dreadnought”, the only Radial sail laser), who ploughed through the fleet, claiming 3rd Place in race 1.
Before the start, Mon, sailing laser, “Rolling Stone”, got stuck in irons, tried to rectify it and fell out on the leeward side, and sailed the 2 races saturated.
Young Ari made his debut to laser sailing on “Tipsy Too”. He did a great job getting as far as he did, in the conditions, and was having a good race against Debbie on “Flying Dragon”. Unfortunately, he capsized but did get a front-row seat, watching the gybing on the wing mark, while capsized. From that point, he sat on the gunnel on his upturned boat, watching the fleet pass by. Deb also capsized trying to avoid Ari and missed her podium finish. John, who was assisting on the safety boat with Bryan, came to the rescue and sailed Ari back to the shore.
Dave got in “all sorts”, sailing Impulse “Matchbox”. He managed 3 capsizes in the first race – one due to bad sailing (from his own words), one gear failure, and to finish if off, he simply fell off the boat, deciding that “Matchbox” could sail herself! Hence a DNF in the first race.
Bit of a delay in between races saw Peter on “Dreadnought” go for an unexpected swim too.
Results of Race 1 – Kate (who had a handicap of 8 minutes) sailing “Bluey” sailed into 1st Place, skipper Craig, with crew Daniel and Charlie, sailing corsair “Gidget”, came in 2nd, with Peter Fell placing 3rd.
Doug, skipper of “Cyanara” decided his crew, Alan and Steve (visiting from Newcastle), needed an extra workout by constantly “bailing”, despite not capsizing …
With 12 starting in the Race 2, Debbie, sailing “Flying Dragon”, flew into 1st Place, with Kate on “Bluey” coming 2nd and Craig and crew on “Gidget” sailing into 3rd place. All 12 dinghies completed the course.
Mon missed her start time by a minute in Race 2, much to her disgust!
The race was changed to 1 lap mid-race (most of us knowing none the wiser) until the hooter sounded when sailors were heading back upwind to complete the 2nd lap.
Two corsairs, Peter Ross, with crew Brennan and Kate, sailing “It’s Academic”, and Doug and crew on “Cyanara” were fighting to get over the line on a port tack, until Mon on “Rolling Stone”, called starboard to put a spanner in the works. Doug had to tack away and then Peter, and Doug crossed the line first. Tight squeeze, but one has to keep things interesting.
Lex sailed with Debbie Beard on the Pacer 2930 and has been “fine tuning” the new club pacer, racing her for the Winter season.
Also good to see Phoebe Reedman as skipper on corsair “Exhale” with owner Michael Grace and Niamh, finishing as 2nd corsair in Race 2.
The sausage sizzle afterwards and race presentation brings us altogether to have a laugh and debrief an excellent day on the water.
Thanks to Bryan and John on the safety boat, Adam for being Duty Officer, Dave taking his turn as on Race Officer for the day, and Gail for timekeeping and cooking onions first up in the morning, and cooking the BBQ. Also thanks to those who helped on the BBQ too.
Just a reminder for those who are not members require a Sail Pass to sail. This can be done on your mobile on the day before you race.
Great to see club members Dave Chester and Tony Ynot drop by and say “hi”. We look forward to seeing them sailing again with us soon.
Next race day is on in 2 weeks on 3rd July. All welcome!
Collaboratively written by: Peter Fell, Craig Foley, Dave Robinson and Monique Smith