Nine boats took to the water, for what was best described by Will, the OOD as ‘a mixture of sailing pleasure’! For what is becoming the norm at the moment, we ‘suffered’ beautiful blue skies and temperature in the mid twenties. With low water forecasted at 11.38 race one started with a weakening ebbing tide and a shifty F2-3 from the West. With lots of opportunities to make or lose places in the shifty wind the 400’s appeared to managed well taking the top three places with Dave and John claiming top spot. During the countdown to the start of race two the sea breeze decided to make an appearance, converging with the land breeze at the start line, result… wind coming in all directions and sometimes not at all ! Only Richard & Carol (400) and Richard & Robyn(400) crossing the line on time with the rest of the fleet struggling to make the tide as the wind played it’s games. A short way up the ‘beat’ the sea breeze filled resulting in a drag race to the mark. The race team sensibly shortened the race after lap one with Richard & Carol well clear of the fleet, Richard & Robyn holding on the their second and just eight seconds separating the next four boats with Keith & Anna (500) claiming third. The next two races provided the best sailing of the day with a reasonably steady ENE’erly F2-3. In race three Dave & John caught some good pressure on the first downwind leg to open up a short lead on Richard & Carol which they maintained to the finish. Don (D-One) showed good downwind speed staying close to the two leading 400’s throughout the race to claim third place. Due to the pleasant conditions the race team kindly offered to run an extra race which was greatly appreciated. This provided some very close racing between the 400’s of Richard & Carol, Richard & Robyn and Dave & John. With the latter leading at the windward mark but leaving the gybe to the leeward gate a little late these three were almost side by side going down to the leeward gate. It remained close on second lap with Dave & John just pipping Richard & Carol on the line with Richard & Robyn third. Just behind were the D-One’s of Nick and Don who had been having their own close tussle with Nick just beating Don over the line.
Huge thanks to the race team of Will, Tom, Matt & Ed for a most enjoyable days sailing.