With Saturday�s spring like weather seemingly a flash in the plan, the foggy start on Sunday didn�t put off a couple of dozen members and their dogs from walking around Sale Fell and back to the club for pie and peas!

Happy sailing in 2024

It is with sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Joe Hardon earlier today.

Joe was a member for many years sailing in GPs and F15s. He was on council and spent many Wednesday afternoons mowing the grounds.

Our thoughts are with his wife Lilian, and their family at this sad time.

Joe�s funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Wigton on January 16th at 12.30pm followed by the Crematorium at 13.40pm, and afterwards at Wigton Rugby Club

Despite there being no white frost, several competitors still had to clear ice that had accumulated in their boat covers. Although Banter had submitted to the conditions and was wearing long trousers, both his crew Oscar, and Neil�s crew Archie, turned up in shorts!

There was a good Southerly breeze throughout the day for the two RS200s and two Radials to enjoy competitive racing, with some good planing reaches. The rescue crew had no capsizes to deal with, so were lucky not to be frozen solid by the end of the day�s racing!

Banter/Oscar led the first race, with Neil/Archie 2nd, Neil G 3rd, and Paul 4th. Neil/Archie had gear problems before the final race and headed ashore, but the finishing order was the same for other boats.

Banter won both races, and took overall lead from Neil/Archie to win the series, with Neil G 3rd and Paul 4th overall (as the day�s first race!)

Final results

A damp and drizzly morning greeted our usual suspects. But there was wind and plenty of enthusiasm amongst the sailors�. This was despite the OD, Alan’s attempts to dissuade the takers ????.

The rain eased, and the wind was a steady 2 occasional 3. In the first race, there were lots of position changes in the RS200s with Banter/Oscar, and Neil/Archie enjoying some close racing. The first race was won by Neil/Archie, then Banter/Oscar, next home was Tim/Barbara in the F15 followed by Paul in his Laser radial.

The second race the wind eased, and whilst the RS200 were having a ‘Banter’ pre start the race got under way. All be it with some late starting in the RS200 fleet. The positions were reversed from the first race with Banter/Oscar coming home first followed by Tim/Barbara then Neil/Archie. However Paul sailed a great race, and it looks like it could be quite tight once the handicap is worked out.

Latest results (when available)

Snow on Skiddaw is always a wonderful sight, but not necessarily an excuse to be sailing! Despite it being cold and quite windy, the Campbells, the MacGregors, and Neil rigged up. Neil G thought better of it before launch after bringing in the Bates� Wisely!

Neil/Archie went out and had some fun playing with the kite. James/Jenny went out too, but then Jenny realised it was too cold for her hands. They kindly offered to start then go in, but Neil wasn’t going to sail round and keep everyone out in the cold, so it was agreed to call it a day.

Thanks to Mike and Jack for their efforts setting the course only to find there was no takers!

Though we obviously can�t reveal a lady�s age, we are delighted to congratulate long time member Isobel Currie on her very special centenarian birthday!

The final championship weekend series of the season had a delayed start due to a lack of OD. The wind had filled in since the morning, and kept blowing a better than forecast F2-3 which freshened slightly as the afternoon went on.

There were just 9 boats over two fleets, led by Chris/Jack in RS200, but it was Mike/Jack in a Graduate that won both races. The GPs were led and won by AJ/Sue following an impressive flying start, with Nigel/Glynis 2nd.

Soon after the start of the 2nd race Neil/Archie in their RS200 lost their jib halyard bringing their race to an early conclusion.

No capsizes, or hairy planing conditions, but a pleasant afternoon�s racing.

Sunday morning�s wind was lighter than originally forecast and there were three contenders eager to sail, so that�s what they did! The conditions were mixed, with some lulls, and some good reaches, but the big gusts never appeared.

There was some close racing between the RS200s of Chris/Evie and Neil/Archie in both races with Chris generally mastering the beats while Neil gained off wind. However in the last race Neil broke away with a prolonged plane to prevent Chris having a clean sweep in the series.

AJ/Sue’s single win on Saturday was sufficient to win them the GP Stables Prize.

The handicap Comet Trophy was won by Chris/Jack&Evie, with Neil/Archie 2nd, and Mike/Jack 3rd

Final results

Some may have realised the webcam is not up to date (possibly due to a power cut)

You may wish to check if your boat is shown on the pictures and if you need to remove it before the next high tide or storm.

If you don�t intend sailing anymore this season, as it is autumn, the best way to avoid storm or flood damage is move your boat, preferably home, as soon as Keswick campsite has a flood warning because the club floods 24 hours later.