The forecast for the day implied that sailing might have been over for the season before any happy sailors turned up, but surprisingly the conditions were quite enticing – sunshine and a decent WNW breeze.

Seven boats made it to the start line for the final race of the season which turned out to have a good mix of reaches to blow the cobwebs away. The sun was swept away later by some black clouds that brought in more wind and dumped a little rain on the sailors.

William and Elaine broke away and made good use of various gusts to get sufficient lead to win on handicap. Jim Christie sailed well again, but as the wind picked up for the final 10 mins of the race there were several calamities of which Jim had one – unable to to run to the final leeward mark he reached and gybed several times but was caught out on the final gybe and capsized, but was soon upright and finished 2nd on handicap. Alan Nicholson had been the first to capsize at a gybe mark and was helped up only to turn turtle later in the squall that was passing through. Neil Garrison sailing his wayfarer single handed was caught out just after finishing, and capsized. He was helped ashore with a tow from the rescue crews. There was some uncertainty as to the adequacy of his boat’s buoyancy – at least he has all the close season to get it sorted! Jo Watkins was another to capsize in the squall but finished safely. Mike Turner and Sue Watson finished but then took their sails down to avoid ending their season with a capsize

Alan Waugh sailed well to finish third on handicap.

Apart from the final 10 mins or so, there had been some good sailing for the final race, and all were pleased to have made the effort. There was a close finish to the series, with William and Jim on equal points, but William’s couple of firsts split the tie in his favour, and he won the Winter Trophy presented by his parents many years ago.

The morning started off wonderfully clear, with no wind. Not very good for sailing! However, some clouds moved in together with a light north westerly breeze. Perhaps it would settle down for a good days sailing?

The wind did fill in, albeit in fits and starts, but it let to both bunching, and separation, of the fleet …. Neil Garrison sailing a wayfarer single handed (hence disqualified) sailed a good first beat and was second to William and Elaine at the windward mark, with Nigel and John in a GP, and Alan Nicholson in his solo closely on their tail. The wind allowed the fleet to bunch, but it was not until the end of the second beat that William broke away as the land shadow swallowed 0. A case of too little too late as William was to finish 8th on personal handicap, with pole position going to Alan with Nigel 2nd. As ever, the wind picked up at the end of the race, and eased by the start of the afternoon race.

Nigel again sailed well and was first to the windward mark with William just behind. The next leg was challenging as the fleet had to sail directly into the low afternoon sun and it was almost impossible to see the mark! William did succeed in breaking away this time when the wind faded for the rest of the fleet, but having to sail one lap extra, in still airs materially affected his position by adding an extra 25% to his average lap time (and I want redress!).� Nigel continued to sail well and beat Jim Christie in his laser by 10 secs, and Tim Chittenden with Ian Macpherson in a F15 by 1� mins

Have the storms passed through – uncertain. The forecast is not quite as breezy as was being forecast yesterday, but the conditions still seem challenging!

Perhaps the rescue crews had a whiff of the forecast, as they’d either slept in or been partying well last night! However, several boats were prepared and the helms and crews got ready whilst waiting for the rescue team to arrive, and racing got under way by Noon. Jim Christie was the first to capsize in his laser, or was he just having a rest? Then Alan Nicholson went swimming, but that was enough for him to call it a day and retire gracefully (before the race got under way).

Conditions were frustrating, there were blustery gusts and downdraughts as the wind wrapped itself around Sale Fell. Although William and Elaine got away in the early gusts, the holes seemed to follow them around and Ian Macpherson with Mike Fairlamb, in Tim’s F15 proved difficult to shake off. Jim Christie was doing well after the start, and held off Ian Macpherson for a while. Lewis Tyson and Jo Watkins sailed around together, but Jo had a capsize which focussed the OD’s mind on shortening the race. On the final fetch to the finish, William was headed off from the lay line and only just finished ahead of Ian who had been able to lay the mark directly.

Over the lunch break the wind picked up and the white horses were very visible even when looking down the wind, so the OD cancelled racing for the rest of the day

As a prelude to the bonfire night celebrations, the first prize giving for the youth squad was held this evening

Vice Commodore Dave Nicholson gave a short speech outlining the (short) history of the squad, and prizes were given out by his wife Pauline. There was one consistent and outstanding winner for the season, Jo Watkins who won the Kirkpatrick Prize (Youth Championship winner), Watson Shield (Saturday Series), Rhonwen Bryce Youth Cup (Sunday Series), Night Jar A Youth Tankard, and Night Jar B Youth Tankard (Thursday evening series)

The Lucca Trophy an endeavour trophy for the young person that was always down here practising and racing went to Ethan Dawson

Unfortunately the rain came in after the prize giving so lighting the bonfire, and the fireworks, proved challenging

What a glorious day for a sail. The wind didn’t always rise to the occasion but when it did some boats were able to plane for a short while. Mike Moore suggested there were elements of skill and elements of luck – of course, his position only benefited through skill!

It was Lewis Tyson that took the honours on a personal handicap basis in the first race, from Jim Christie making a return to the lake but in a laser this time! In the afternoon, William and Elaine broke away (eventually – perhaps that was just the luck element kicking in for a change?!) and won from Mike Turner and Sue Watson.

With some consistent results by Mike Turner and Jim Christie, perhaps they are the ones to watch in this final series of the year

With the northerly airs, most people wrapped up and donned hats to keep warm (though William and Robbie D were still bearing a bit of leg despite the snow on Skiddaw!), though Elaine and Kayla were complaining of cold posteriors at the end of racing!