With a strong contingent from the GP14 fleet taking on the challenge on the vageries of Windermere, club racing comprised a four race all fleet challenge series whereby finishing times are adjusted on a fleet handicap basis.
Sunday morning racing proved interesting for the spectators at least! Rich Hodgkins took new member David Heal out for a swim sail, but seemed to spend a lot of time demonstrating how shallow the lake is, the effect on burgees of getting a mast stuck in the mud, and how hard it is to get a capsized boat upright once the mast is in the mud! The OD took pity on the pair and shortened the race after one such capsize. Meanwhile, following a prestart capsize, the Blackburns in a lark had an early return to the club showers.
Those at the front of the fleet were not with their mishaps either. Leading laser Ian Macpherson took the leading boats the wrong way around the leeward mark. Hugh and Rhonwen were the first to realise the mistake (Rhonwen said she knew all along, but Hugh said she wasn’t forceful enough – Sorry Hugh, can’t believe that of Rhonwen!!) but, after unwinding their mistake, Hugh hardened up for the beat, forgot to use his toestraps, performed an excellent back flip, then capsized, allowing Ginge and Phil Hodgkins to take the lead with Ian Macpherson chasing.
Sailors were less enthusiastic for the final race, with only three potential starters, the start was delayed while Rich again demonstrated that it is possible to right boats even when their masts get stuck in the mud (or could it be the timing went a bit awry?). Anyway, the boats got away to a clear start, and on the first tack Rich and David went for a further swim! Ian took the lead and held Ginge off for the rest of the race which was enough to win the series.
FLEET CHALLENGE
PN Boat Helm Class 1 2 3 4 Pts
1 167828 I MACPHERSON LAS 4 3 3 1 11
2 13749 H GODFREY GP 1 1 2 DNS 15
3 3521 P BURNELL FF 3 2 OD DNS 19
4 13733 A HODGKINS GP DNS DNS 1 2 25
5 3473 M MOORE FF 2 4 DNS DNS 28
6 13142 R HODGKINS GP DNS DNS 4 RTD 30
7 68852 N WOOD MIR 5 5 DNS DNS 32
8 37814 I FLETCHER MIR 6 6 DNS DNS 34
9 2324 R BLACKBURN LARK DNS DNS RTD DNS 39
10 33434 S WATSON MIR 7 DNS DNS DNS 40
Points for RTD = 8 7 6 4
Points for DSQ = 8 7 6 4
Points for DNS = 11
4 races to count
Word is that Telf and Smithster were set to win the Windermere open with Bean and Toggle third. But it wasn’t to be!
Telf – 2nd
Bean – 4th
Robin Dawson – 5th.