Some people will do anything to get a mention. How about the young boy’s ball that is kicked on to the lake and drifting away on the off shore breeze. Good Samaritan tries to retrieve it but can’t reach, so finds a canoe, paddles out to catch ball, and then struggles to return to shore – perhaps too much energy expanded for one day? Well done Toggle

Yes Bridget was playing away and flying the Bass burgee at Annandale this weekend (but, of course, it was with Ginge). Ok so the weather frightened off many competitors, and those that did compete didn’t try more than once. But Ginge knew Bridget was in the mood and he went out for all he could get, but it was worth it as they managed to stay upright all the time, and came away with the winners trophy.

Meanwhile, Telf and Andy went to Chase for their GP open, but sticking with a healthy diet wasn’t what was needed for the force 5 – They were leading the first race until the wind picked up and overpowered their ‘slight’ bodies! Bagging two 3rds and a 4th gave them a respectable 5th overall out of 30 boats. Two firsts by Andrew Hately gave him the series. In for a penny? – Telf and Andy will be testing their skills at Satunton Harold for the Midlands this weekend.

Sunday
What was in that potion that I was drinking last night? Was I hallucinating? Was there really so many people, friends not just colleagues or acquaintances, down at the club in the middle of Winter drinking, chatting, reminiscing, looking forward to the new season. Some were even dancing – perhaps they had been drinking Claire and Stephen’s potions as well.

‘I’m coming out, I want the world to know’ were the words in Diana Ross’ song that inspired when I started writing these diaries. So with work behind me now, it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with so many. My way of thanking them for all the support and help that they are going to give me during my time as Commodore. But what did I say in that speech? Did the treasurer have to suggest that there was one person for each year of my life – that would make me 63¾ (unless I was seeing double)

Did I really see one of those cleavage’s that I have dreamt about for so many years dangling over the trifle!? Arrhhh. Maybe it was just a dream…..

Adrian

An interesting shot of the merging of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite!

Also, thanks to Ian Campbell for these additional shots of the high water level on Saturday.

Thanks to Alan Nicholson for the following photos taken yesterday showing a marooned clubhouse. Certainly the highest water levels recorded by any member (even us very long-standing ones!).

If you have (had?) a boat at the club, it could be worth getting down to check it out.

At the 53rd Annual General meeting, as Bridget stepped down after two years as Commodore, Mike Chappell was elected to replace her (is that really possible?). The full list of members voted on to Council for 2005 is detailed separately

The subscriptions were raised as proposed, and it was noted that other clubs’ fees are typically 30-50% higher than ours.

The 40 % increase in NNDR is of concern and will be challenged at the appropriate time. Although we presently are granted 50% discretionary relief on NNDR, the possibility of obtaining 80% mandatory relief by becoming a Community Amateur Sports Club was aired at the meeting. It is clear that there are a lot of issues to address before firm recommendations can be submitted to the membership for approval.

Although the club is keen to use email as the cheapest form of communicating with members, it is not a requirement, and those members that prefer snail mail will continue to receive it.

The club continues to seek an 18′ committee boat to replace the stolen Bates, so if you are aware of anything suitable get in touch with Alan Nicholson or Mike Chappell.

Keith Thomas gave a vote of thanks to Bridget for all her hard work and successes over the last two years.

Last Tuesday brought this season’s helping hand for newcomers to an end. More than 30 people have taken the opportunity to benefit from other’s experience and guidance, and were all successful in navigating a dinghy around a triangular course after only a few weeks. The formal training course held on Saturday mornings saw six members achieve their level 1 certificate.

Thanks to Alan Nicholson for the following pics

No need for ferrying when the water’s this high

The Flying 15 team racing had to wait for the winds to fill in (or was it just for the OD to arrive – perhaps he knew something the sailors didn’t!). From the clubhouse, winds could be seen at the southern end of the lake, but they struggled to make any headway into the northern bay. So the OD set courses to suit. Once started the winds held well and there was some good racing when even Steve Goacher had to work his way through the fleet of 20 boats. The wind shadow caused by spinnakers on some of the dead runs helped shuffle boat positions, and the beats all had shifts/curves that gave opportunities to gain and lose places.

The weighted scoring  system for older boats helped its deviser Ian Preston and team to pull through to second position after three races – pity the didn’t get the last race right. Howard Green had Keels on Wheels on his sail, but sailed more as if he had wheels dragging from his keel!

That said, although there was a few grunts and groans on the water (and that was just aching bodies), everyone had a good weekends racing.

Last year’s Grotty Potty winner, Miles, seemed spoilt for choice as to who should get the coveted award this year. As Miles was unable to accurately read the word PORT emblazoned on John Hardisty’s hull, led to John being awarded the trophy for yet another year

With the onset of Autumn, the nip in the air resulted in a greater use of wooly bears and dry suits despite the winds being unusually light. After a closely fought race in the F15s, in which Scott’s head started to spin after having to do turns for Mike Moore, Saturday’s second race was cancelled due to lack of wind.Sunday morning wasn’t much better for Scott when he tried to squeeze in at the start line but had to do more turns for Ian Campbell. A wind shift at the second mark enabled Wendy Somerville to take the lead from William Carruthers, Ian Campbell took advantage of the situation also, and then passed William and Wendy. Mike Moore wasn’t to miss out on taking the lead when he sailed a fine beat on the following leg. The lead continued to change, and Scott quickly caught up to have his chance at the front of the fleet.  Later in the race Ian Campbell had to do turns for William, a mistake from which he didn’t recover! On the final leg Wendy took advantage of a small wind shift and pipped Scott at the post.

Wendy took an early lead in the final race, only to be passed by Ian. When Ian and Wendy started to round a mark the wrong way, William took advantage of the situation and took the lead through to the end of the race.

All in all some very close racing.

Weekend results:

FF SCARNESS CUP 2003

PN    Boat  Helm          Class        1   2   3   4 Pts
 1    3332  W SOMERVILLE  FF           5 DNS   1   2   3
 2    3673  S BEATTIE     FF           1 DNS   2 DNS   3
 3    3268  W CARRUTHERS  FF           4 DNS   4   1   5
 4    3560  I CAMPBELL    FF           2 DNS   5   3   5
 5    3473  M MOORE       FF           3 DNS   3   4   6

                     Points for RTD =  6   0   6   5
                     Points for DSQ =  6   0   6   5
                     Points for DNS =  6

 2 races to count

GP GRAHAM CUP 2003

PN    Boat  Helm          Class        1   2   3 Pts
 1   13142  R HODGKINS    GP           1 DNS   2   3
 2   13733  A HODGKINS    GP           2 DNS   3   5
 3   13326  R DAWSON      TOP        DNS DNS   1   6
 4   13161  S SPENCE      GP           3 DNS DNS   8

                     Points for RTD =  4   0   4
                     Points for DSQ =  4   0   4
                     Points for DNS =  5

 2 races to count

MIRROR REFLECTION TROPHY

PN    Boat  Helm          Class        1   2   3   4 Pts
 1   69960  M CHAPPEL     MS         DNS DNS   1   1   2
 2   69675  T SMITH       MIRROR       1 DNS   2   2   3
 3   68852  N WOOD        MIR          2 DNS DNS DNS   6

                     Points for RTD =  3   0   3   3
                     Points for DSQ =  3   0   3   3
                     Points for DNS =  4

 2 races to count