It was a small group of regulars and a guest who were able to make the clubs Thursday Regatta. The wind (F3) from the north and tide ebbing with the course set a little offshore. As the race 1 got underway for some, 3 craft had misjudged the tide strength and rafted up on the pin mark. Daniel (Solution) and Phil / Lorna (Rs400) recovered well and at the end of the first lap The RS400 was in front on the water, Richard F (laser), Mark Laser and Dan (Solution) in a tight group about 30 seconds behind. At the end of the 3rd lap It would be Richard would take the win by just 7 seconds from Mark.
Race 2 the wind had increased in strength and it wall a cleaner start for all. At the 1st mark Phil was leading in the RS400, followed by Mark, Daniel and Keith, Richard was however paying more attention and decided sail to the next mark rather than just follow the others!. Tom was finding the extra wind a bit of handful, not surprising as it was he first trip out in a laser and after 1 capsize his tiller parted company with the rudder. With most helms spending some time on the centre board some more than others, it would be a close finish for 3 of the lasers and solution. Mark ahead of Richard followed by Dan and Keith, Phil finishing 5th on corrected time.
The wind then swung further to east and required Nick to move the start line further offshore. giving everyone time for a quick blast. The race soon got underway Phil opening up a commanding lead everyone else closely bunched with Rob (Phantom) in the mix. It was quite surfy downwind and in lap 2 Keith took and downwind swim, he was not he only one!!. Dan thought he saw a blue flag and stopped racing and by the time he was away again it was between Richard and Mark for the Race and Regatta honours. By the end of lap 3 Richard had established a 30 second lead, Mark had a further 2 laps to make up the deficit and manged to cut it to 20 seconds at the line. Phil and Lorna had done enough to make it a third on corrected time.
So the Regatta honours when to Richard Foster after 2 well deserved wins, and 1 of only 2 boats to stay upright!. Mark Second and Phil and Lorna Third. It was great conditions and dam good fun with launching and recovery a breeze.
A Big thanks Nick OOD and everyone for a great evening’s sailing.