Okay, so Winter may not have arrived yet (although snow was spotted on the side of the A66 this morning), but the temperature has dropped significantly over the course of the week, and the Winter Series started today.

The overnight winds, and forecast, cast a shadow on the likelihood of racing getting underway, but surprisingly the wind had abated sufficiently to tempt out a small fleet of just three boats.

Jim C, back to fighting fitness, was well positioned on the start line, but not quite close enough to the starboard pin to squeeze Mike/Kayla out. Mike soon got clear ahead sufficiently to win on both fleet and personal handicap, with Jim 2nd on fleet handicap, and Peter 2nd on personal handicap.

In the cold weather, sailors were happy to sail both races back to back, and a couple of Toppers joined in too. Jim positioned himself better on the start line, and Mike opted to duck between the Supernovas, but soon took the lead and the race on both personal and fleet basis, with Jim 2nd. The Toppers took the race less seriously, with Ethan giving what seemed like some personal coaching (no it wasn’t a girl helming the other boat [this time]). After several capsizes, deliberate, or otherwise, they both retired.

With the forecast of gales, and rain, there was only a few sailors tempted to take to the water for the end of the October Series. With the gusts increasing, of those that took to the water, a couple returned to shore even before racing started, and of the four that started, surprisingly, Jim Christie gave up after the first beat!

One lap into the race and Dave/Lynn were still giving the two F15s a run for their money as they were only a matter of secs behind. Mike/Kayla did pull ahead and finished 1st, but were beaten by Dave/Lynn on handicap who capsized secs after finishing.

With the gusts still passing through, Mike/Kayla opted out of the 2nd race, and Dave/Lynn called it a day during the start sequence, leaving Tim/Ian to race alone. Fortunately for the, the OD shortened the race at the end of the 2nd beat.

Dave/Lynn were overall winners of the October Series on both personal and fleet handicap.

Final results (PH) (FH)

Sunday started windy, with occasional heavy downpours. Those that did turn up seemed more intent on moving their boats, and making them safe, rather than sailing. So Peter Ballard’s second OD duty of the year turned out like the first, with racing abandoned!

MJM/Asymmetric Cup Final Results

With the clock changed, and October at an end, there aren’t many races left, and they’re all scheduled for Sundays in November.

Bonfire night celebrations take place on Saturday 2nd. Please bring a large display firework. Hot snacks will be available.