After a week of fantastic weather, everyone was looking forward to more of the same for the bank holiday. With the wind from the SSW, it was in two minds as to whether it would come round Sale Fell from the S or SW. There was a great fleet of nine mirrors, in the first race and it was the Smith brothers Phil�and Andy that were vying for first position, but Andy/Lily couldn’t keep up with Phil/Oliver. Meanwhile, as thunder could be heard rolling through the hills, the rain held off, and blue skies were edging towards us.
By the 2nd race the SW wind had swung back to the S, and the wind eased. Although the boats seemed to crawl around the short course, it just took 15 mins to complete the lap so the OD sent the fleet round again. However, in a matter of minutes a squall moved in, bringing heavy rain, and resulted in so many capsizes that the race was abandoned and boats headed back to shore.
Within a mad half hour, the squall had disappeared, together with the rain and wind, and the scene was set for a lovely evening during which the Hunter Family were putting on another curry night, serving over 100 meals and raising over �500�in aid of the ASHA Foundation.
Sunday started off dry, overcast, but much cooler with a chill factor of 5C! As ever, the wind swung back and forth throughout. After lunch the skies cleared and the sun shone with the wind backing more to the west.
Neil took to the water�for the first time this season with Rory in their F15, taking three 1sts and the Mellor Mug ahead of Graham (also fresh back to the water) and Elaine.
In the GPs, the main competition was between Mike/Eric who took the first race, and Joan/Jack who are overnight leaders having won the next two races.
Joe won the first race in his Laser, but Robin/Erin took the next the next two to be overnight leader.
In the Slow Handicap fleet, it’s a bit of a family affair with the Smiths taking the top four positions, all in Mirrors, with Emma being overnight leader.
Bank holiday Monday morning started with light rain and a good SE breeze. The fleets seemed reluctant to get on the water, which gave the chance to do its worst by easing, and swinging, so the OD had to lift the start line and move it across the lake to take advantage of a slightly steadier breeze, or so it seemed. The course was set, and racing got underway, but the wind wasn’t at its best, and there were holes around the course. Although racing had only been underway about 25 mins, the race was shortened at the end of the first lap to put the sailors out of their misery (and save the committee boat having to hang around too long!). The wind promptly filled in and settled down as the fleets headed ashore for lunch…
Joan/Jack took another win in the GPs from Mike/Eric, and won the Commodore’s Prize. In the Handicap fleet, Robin/Erin beat Scumper which earned them the Isel Cup, with Scumper 2nd overall.
Although Phil won the Slow handicap race, Emma’s 2nd kept her in the lead, so he would need to sail the final race to secure the series.
After lunch the wind held, and strengthened a little, enabling the OD to set the course he had initially set for the morning race. There were only six boats that took to the water and enjoyed some good reaches and planing conditions. Scumper led the Handicap fleet but was beaten by Joe with a margin of 18 secs on handicap. This didn’t affect Scumper’s overall 2nd position, with Joe 3rd.
Phil�raced against Jonathan Bullen in the Slow handicap fleet, taking his fourth win and the Orsova Cup, with sister in law Emma a well earned 2nd.
