After some very wet weather over the past few days, Sunday started off with some drizzle which faded before racing was underway. The light breeze held throughout the race and was sufficient to power the fleet of 11 boats around the course, though none of the forecast gusts came to fruition.
Mik took no chances and turned up in time for the first, and only, race of the day. Indeed he was first boat to finish, albeit it having sailed one lap less than the faster fleets!

Joan/Jack took an early lead, though Joe, who was always nearby, did cross the finish ahead of them, not that it prevented them winning the race on fleet handicap over two mins ahead of AJ/Sue, with Joe a couple of secs later 3rd. Joan’s win put them a point ahead of Steve/Ruth to win the series.

On a personal handicap basis, AJ/Sue secured a strong win ahead of the next four boats, led by Joe, that all finished within 20 secs of each other. AJ’s win earned him the series, with Joan 2nd.

As for the last boats to finish, it was to be a battle between Alastair and Peter. Trailing at the last mark, Alastair tacked early but seemed to stall. Meanwhile Peter put in a last minute tack and lost to Alastair on the line. As there was ‘a crate of beer’ on the outcome, Peter did try to bribe the OD to have the positions reversed!

The other side bet for the champagne between AJ and Alastair was a bit of a wipeout, and so AJ opted to buy his own prize (as Alastair had bought so many of the interim prizes)!

As there was only one race, sailors had a chance to pack their boats away for the winter close season. Mik didn’t realise that he’d left his rudder on his roof, and didn’t notice the hand waving and horn blowing of people trying to tell him! Fortunately he had to stop at the gate where someone caught up to tell him.

So that brings the 61st season to an end. The prize giving and AGM are being held next weekend, and it won’t be too long before we start over once again!

Despite early rain, the morning started with glorious sunshine and a light breeze. Alan was out early to tune his GP to ensure he maintained his lead in the private competition with Alistair – a ‘gottle of geer’ riding on the day’s racing, and a bottle of champagne on the series! Perhaps it was this competition that led to small mistakes by both parties – Alistair briefly capsizing, and Alan hitting a mark and doing a penalty turn.

Thirteen boats took to the water and enjoyed some good racing in varying wind conditions. Joe sailed well in his RS300, staying ahead of Scumper for most of the race, though on handicap he slipped back to 4th. Less than a minute separated the first three places, with Scumper winning ahead of Steve/Ruth and Joan/Jack. Paul/Emily took the honours on personal handicap in their Graduate.

The sun was well gone by the time afternoon racing started, but the wind held long enough to get the race in. Mik had arrived ready for action in the afternoon race, and was pleased that racing hadn’t started without him for a change! Steve/Ruth won finishing marginally ahead of Joan/Jack on handicap. Steve currently leads the series albeit on equal points with Joan.

Steve won the race on a personal handicap basis as well, with just over a minute separating the next five places! Paul/Emily lead the personal handicap series, three points ahead of Alan.

With October almost over this weekend concluded the remaining series for this year’s prize giving. Don’t forget to book your tickets with Andrea!

Saturday was basked in sunshine but the wind was somewhat lighter than forecast, and was variable in strength and direction . Saturday racing comprised the final two races in the October series. Mike/Kayla took an early lead in both races, and then seemed to benefit from being in the right place at the right time to substantially extend his lead, winning both races on fleet handicap and securing a 1st and 2nd on personal handicap.

Steve was back on the water in his Solo for his 1st race after a couple of months rest following surgery and was holding a strong position until it was pointed out that he had missed A out, so had to return, losing significant ground in the process. Tim/Martin in their F15 had some close racing with Ian/Lezli-Ann whom they beat in the first race but not the second.

Mik also returned to the water after several months recuperation and took a 2nd on fleet handicap and 3rd on a personal handicap.

Jim C was, unusually, crewing for Kath in a GP. His lack of practice at flying a spinnaker showed at times, but it didn’t affect Kath’s overall position.

Mike/Kayla’s strong results won them both the personal and fleet handicap series. Interestingly 2nd (Alan/Sue) and 3rd (Kath/Glynis/Jim) positions were the same in both series.