Perhaps the weather today was a taster of what is in store for the Youth Regatta which starts on Monday (have you heard about it?).
The South Easterly wind held out throughout the day despite the threat of a sea breeze. A dozen boats ventured out.
In the F15 fleet Mike/Kayla played cat and mouse with Tim/Martin which commenced before the start. Being a bit too sure of his position Mike failed cover Tim who broke through on one beat. What’s more he failed to cover on the next and Tim broke through again winning the race!
An early start allowed an early finish and the site to be cleared of boats in preparation for the onslaught of visiting boats (though there were a few early arrivals)
The first BBQ of the week went down well (or should we wait to see who survives till the morning?!)
Despite the lake being flat calm in the morning as the sun shone, a good F3 filled in from the West well before racing started for the latest championship weekend series. A (relatively) prompt start caught out some of the handicap fleet (Will they learn for the morning?). Either it’s a case of great minds think alike, or the stand in OD is so predictable, but Herb correctly guessed the first course.
As the afternoon progressed, the wind increased too, but without incident.
At the end of the first race, in the GPs, Alan/Sue were on the tail of Dave/Sarah and trying their hardest to get past, but at the final mark Dave broke away, and to cap it for Alan, Hugh/Rachael managed to pass him too! Hugh had another trick up his sleeve on Sunday morning when he believed there was a ‘hook finish’ and rounded the finish mark to starboard, and though ahead, Alan rounded it the same way, losing out by one position when Hugh recrossed the line from the correct direction before him. Val/Ken sailed consistently all weekend taking four 1sts and the McMillan Cup, however, they were disappointed not to be back on shore in time to catch the ice cream van before he left – perhaps they should have sailed faster!
In the F15s, Mike/Kayla took three straight wins and and Ullock Mug, leaving Ian/Lezli-Ann and Tim/Ian battling it out with some close racing at times.
Steve/Ruth sailed well to secure three 1sts and the Grisedale Cup, though a guest appearance by Bean in his RS100 on Sunday morning meant he had to wait until the last race for his third 1st. Scumper tried his hand in Peter’s Supernova, while Alastair explained what would have been had he not capsized and got ‘every rope’ caught around his centreboard delaying its retrieval, and preventing him beating Peter… Meanwhile, Banter Phil had a great sailing weekend taking two 2nds ad a 3rd, finishing 2nd overall.
Don’t forget to move your boat this week to clear the foreshore in preparation for the NSSA Youth Regatta. Also, Saturday’s racing has been brought forward to 11.30 on Saturday, and Sunday’s racing has been cancelled.
The weekend arrived with a forecast of showers, and strong, gusting winds. AJ needed to double check the wind conditions before choosing which boat in his fleet to sail. It didn’t take much persuasion to opt for his F15. Others in the F15 fleet saw the white horses on the far side of the lake and nervously opted to race. Although there were strong gusts passing through that covered most of the lake in white horses, the conditions remained challenging but sailable. AJ/Sue had to retire when a should plate pulled away from the hull, but without particularly damaging anything else. The remaining two boats, Ian/Lezli-Ann and Graham/Kayla, enjoyed some close racing with Graham winning the first race.
The only other fleet that ventured out was the handicap fleet, mainly comprising Vareos, and topped up with Steve in his Solo, and John in his RS400 (though he didn’t make the start) – the remaining five boats had all capsized before the start but persevered, enduring several more capsizes, and many great planes. Hugh needed to borrow some rope for a running repair to tie down his tack, and still finished. Tog had enough and retired in the second race.
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Sunday’s forecast was for increasing winds as the day went on, but it wasn’t to be. There was a good breeze, that freshened as the day went on, but it never reached the gusting levels endured on Saturday.
With Mike away for the weekend, and having burnt out Graham on Saturday, Kayla was keen to find a man for the day, well a helm to be precise! She managed to tempt Steve to have another go in a F15, and they showed Ian/Lezli-Ann a clean pair of heels in both races.
Toggle had the best start in the handicap fleet, and led through to the end, winning on handicap. With the race finishing at the race office, Ethan had to sail the full course, but it didn’t stop him finishing 2nd on handicap, despite a capsize, several seconds ahead of Banter.
Toggle quit while he was ahead, and opted not to sail in the pennant race. Banter was destined to finish just behind Ethan again as they sailed together in an RS200. Bridget, with her mind on organising the NSSA regatta, was keen to get the racing over as soon as possible so only sent the fleet as far as 10. As it turned out, Sale Fell took its toll on the conditions, and there were various holes in the wind to frustrate the sailors. Steve/Kayla made the best of the challenge and won, with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd.
This race counted towards Sandra’s Salver, and with another 1st under her belt, Kayla’s efforts in finding a helm was made all the more worthwhile as she continues to lead the series.
MG Latest RNLI Pennant
Sandra’s Salver Latest
For what felt like the first time this season, there was sun and a genuinely warm, but light breeze.
Though there was initially a northerly breeze, the sea breeze soon caused the wind to back and the beat was no more. While AJ was OD causing havoc in the start boat, especially through the start sequence for the pursuit race, Sue sailed the GP with Claire, and they seemed to be a perfect match – smiling all the way round! Roy was again caught being on the course side of the line at the start so had to return enabling Pam to lead for the first lap when she, unfortunately, sailed the wrong way for a short while.
Mike/Kayla took the lead on the final lap, and Val was 2nd in her Solo.
The wind for the second race stayed with the beat, but the F15 sailors didn’t seem to appreciate the course.
Ian/Lezli-Ann led and won the F15s, while Paul Bowmer with apprentice crew won the GPs, and Bean won the Handicap race
Sunday was another gloriously sunny day, but started ominously when the nearby wind turbines were somewhat inactive! Unexpectedly a light breeze filled in from the NW sufficiently to get racing underway and, although there were some major shifts, the general direction held.
The shifts caused various flat spots and Mike/Kayla were one of the first to suffer as they were caught in one on the first beat. They did pull back, probably much to Neil/Judith’s frustration, took the lead and won, maintaining his pole position in the series with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd. Jim C borrowed Alan’s F15, and sailed with grand-daughter Poppy(?) – perhaps she brought him some luck as he seemed to be sailing faster offwind despite not flying a spinnaker!
Robbie D made one of his rare appearances on the water this season, again sailing with Amber in the RS200, and pulled out a 3 min lead on handicap from Joan/Jack, and Bean. Scumper finished 4th but still leads the series.
Val/Ken won the GPs but Alan/Sue still lead the series.
In the afternoon there was some nervousness about having a round the lake course for the pennant race, but a course was set down to 10. A slow first beat didn’t help the nerves, but the wind steadied, for Mike at least as he seemed to carry his own breeze all the way to the leeward mark, and boats were heading back towards the club after just half an hour. Although the wind eased briefly again, overall the fleet enjoyed a good sail.
It was an afternoon for boat swapping with Joan/Jack trying their hand in Alan’s F15 and quickly learning the intricacies of tying off the spinnaker halyard due to a faulty cleat! Banter Phil sailed with Ethan in the RS200. Mik made a welcome return to the Mirror fleet finishing a creditable 6th on handicap. The winner was Mike/Kayla finishing just 15 secs ahead of Paul/Vicky in a GP.
Kayla’s win gives her a strong lead in Sandra’s Salver ahead of defending crew Sue.
A fleet of 10 Mirrors enjoyed sunny conditions with a good wind to boot in a one day open meeting. Past Sailing Sec Roy, sailing with Daisy, was a premature starter but slow to return to the pre-start side, losing almost 3 mins in the process! #shouldknowbetter
Robin Dawson sailed with Amber, well until her lips started to turn blue… Perhaps it was just as well, or was it because, he didn’t take her in the final race because he capsized!
Meanwhile at the front of the fleet, there was to be lots of close racing between three boats – John/Alfie Telford, David/Ed Coady & Andy/Katia Smith. John and Andy each had a win under their belt after two races, and David had a 2nd, giving all three the chance of winning in the final race. All three took the lead, and it seemed that David was going to take the title, but he suddenly dropped back when his spinnaker was caught under the boat. That left John and Andy battling it out with just two legs to go – Andy took the lead and the winners trophy.
Winners Andy and Katia with mum EmmaKatia didn’t miss this photocall!
Just one example of the close F15 racing Photo (c) Angus Corry
In the club racing, which formed part of a championship weekend series, there was some very close racing between 4 boats in the F15 fleet which resulted in Neil/Ian and Mike/Kayla each sharing a 1st and a 2nd. With Mike winning the 2nd race, he was overnight leader.
The close racing continued throughout Sunday, which started with a light, shifting breeze, but strengthened throughout the morning and afternoon. John/Tim had to return after a premature start but took the right side of the beat and led at the windward mark! There was a regular change of positions throughout the day, especially with the different pockets of wind passing through, but Simon/Jon mastered both races and took two wins, with Mike/Kayla and Neil/Ian each sharing a second. Any one of them could have won the series, and as they all finished with 5 points to count, it was Simon’s win in the last race that won him the Mellor Mug.
In the GPs, Robin/Phil had two clear wins while Alan/Sue and Alastair/Claire continued their battle. Alastair had a strong lead in the morning race until he capsized, and although they righted quickly, Alan sneaked past, held off Alastair till the finish by the closest of margins, and retained the Commodore’s Prize.
Ethan took three wins and the Topper trophy, with Harry 2nd.
In the handicap fleet, Steve/Ruth were in pole position overnight with two 1sts, but were delayed getting to the morning start, so had to rely on the final race to secure the trophy. Although Scumper won both Sunday races, Steve’s 2nd in the final race was enough for him to win the Isel Cup.
Glorious sunny morning, but no wind led to a mirror like lake. Mid morning brought a light breeze which swung and strengthened from the west for some good sailing conditions. The sun was so tempting, many wore their summer shorts/gear despite the chill wind.
By starting on time, well almost, meant there were some stragglers with a bit of catching up to do!
Bean was trying his hand in an RS100 but he wasn’t spotted as one of the several boats that capsized at the gybe mark. There was some close racing in different areas of the different fleets, including Jamie Kerr keeping on Ethan’s tail in the Toppers.
A barbeque was an ideal way to top off a sunny day, and Commodore Andy used it to treat wife Emma to a celebratory meal on their wedding anniversary – burgers and champagne! The UEFA cup final was followed by an evening of bingo.
Sunday started bright and windless but fortunately it turned into another great racing day.
There were various capsizes in both races. Alastair probably has the bruises to prove it after he fell on to his centreboard during one of his capsizes. Alastair also trawled his gennaker at one stage which brought him to a sudden halt!
45 members and guests enjoyed a three course Spring dinner which was held in the clubhouse, and many spotted our local otter swimming just before dusk.
Was a sudoku toilet roll, won by Mike F, really the star prize in the raffle? No of course not! The GP fleet seemed to get the lion’s share of the prizes though, and Ian C was presented with a candle laden birthday cake (well a cup cake with a candle). Fortunately Steve’s fire raising was quickly quashed despite him not being prepared to douse the flames with his beer!
The forecast for Monday wasn’t looking good, but they’re not always right…�� ….except on a bank holiday! As forecast the rain moved in, and the wind strengthened, and there were various heavy squalls during the morning. However, it did prove to be sailable, and 11 boats took to the water and raced up the lake to mark 11. The squalls did not particularly appear, though one did catch Toggle out on a gybe mark. Alan/Alastair raced in a F15, and Alan found that the main sheet can be difficult to release in gusts resulting in them being flattened and having to bail out for the next few minutes up the beat! Simon/Jon led the fleet around the course winning the first race by 30 secs ahead of Dave/Lynn.
The damp conditions proved too much for some and they opted for an early finish after a long weekend rather than sail the final race which kept the boats in the main bay, though there were some flukey conditions as they rounded 7. One of the gusts passing through showed us that Alan hadn’t learned his lesson and was still struggling to release his main because he was again flattened. At least he was able to make a below the waterline inspection of his F15 as he stood on the keel!
This time Dave/Lynn took the honours from Simon/Jon, giving them each a 1st and a 2nd in the two race series, with the tie splitting in favour of Dave who had the best result in the last race.
Sunday’s forecast threatened to be wet and windy, fortunately there was not too much of the former, and it was not quite as blustery as Saturday either!
In the morning, a fleet of six in the handicap fleet was led by Steve, with guest appearance of Elaine (she obviously managed to unlock those bar chains!), who stayed upright, though most of his competition went swimming at some stage in the race. Banter finished second ahead of Alan/Sue in a GP.
Mike/Kayla found their pace again and led throughout the F15 race while Tim/Ian battled it out with Ian/Lezli-Ann for 2nd place.
For the afternoon pennant race, with Alan/Sue swapping into a F15, it was to be a F15 only race, all of which seemed keen (well apart from the female crews) to sail around the lake. Although Ian/Lezli-Ann were rigged for the race, they quickly opted out so they could save themselves for next weeks F15 open, so that left three F15s to race down to 10 and back. Although there were some light and flukey patches from time to time, Mike described a thrilling spinnaker leg back from 10 to the narrows on which they were travelling so fast the spray missed Kayla! Mike continued with his winning ways and Tim/Ian came 2nd.
While the South seemed to be basking in bank holiday sunshine, Monday started overcast with light shifting winds in the bay, but with apparently steadier winds from the south, after a delayed start trying to find steadier winds, the OD opted to take the fleet down to mark 14. By the time the F15s started, the wind was settling from the SW, which meant there was a huddle of eager boats fighting for the starbaord end of the line for a reaching start. Three boats either mis-timed, or were forced over, the start and had to return.
The wind shift led to some flukey conditions down the lake, which various boats seem to revel in, while back in the bay the wind had steadied and there was some exciting reaches to enjoy before the final beat. Alastair tried some involuntary water skiing after being washed out of his boat in one of the downdraughts and then being towed behind it for a while!
Unfortunately one of the Catapults took the finish line the wrong way, and another three boats followed, though the others did redeem their mistake.
By lunchtime the sun was shining and the picnic benches were full! The wind held for the final race of the weekend. Having been over the line in the morning race, Simon/Jon were again premature starters in the afternoon along with Ian/Lezli-Ann. Although they restarted, they both later retired. Steve/Ruth were caught out by a gust at a gybe mark losing their lead big style.
With no other competitors in the Topper fleet, Ethan sailed in the handicap fleet, sailing brilliantly to finish ahead of Val in her Solo, and 5th on handicap in the race.
Despite their over eager starts, with three 1sts on Sunday, Simon/Jon still won the F15 Jak Pot ahead of Mike/Kayla. Scumper beat Steve/Ruth by 1 point to take the May Holiday Trophy, with Mark/Emma a couple of points behind in 3rd place. Ethan beat Jamie to take the Topper series, and Dave/Lynn beat Andy/Rob for the Lyne Tankard with Paul/Ken 3rd.
Sunday started damp, drizzly and breezy for the three races scheduled. There were many exciting reaches, made all the more hairy by squalls that also made the gybe marks somewhat challenging at times.
The rescue crews were kept busy keeping a careful watch on the numerous capsizes and broaches by boats in all fleets, including the Catapults. Also, it was a day for helms, and crews, falling out of boats, with Neil, Ian and Sally being but three of them!
Red spinnakers seemed to be the curse of the F15 fleet with both Lezli-Ann and Keith having major problems at times trying to unravel twists in the blustery conditions. Dave/Lynn’s binding at the head of their genoa became undone, but despite losing ground they managed to hold off Andy/Rob on the final beat.
The shadow of Sale Fell led to patches of light wind with un-nerving conditions as the downdraughts caused major powerful shifts, and capsized numerous boats.
While the sailors battled with the elements in the third race, the ladies had prepared an afternoon tea party with sufficient cakes to feed them for a week! Fortunately there were some morsels left when racing finished!
The evening finished with The Great Ribena
The Great Ribena sends his assistant to sleep!?
Saturday
There was a good turnout of club boats, together with the visiting Catapults, for the May bank holiday.
Blustery conditions led to some exciting racing coupled with plenty of capsizes.
The Commodore made it on the water for his first race of the season, but struggled with a worn spinnaker halyard which slipped through the cleat on gusts. Good for depowering, but not for taking advantage of the gusts! He had some close racing with Dave/Lynn but managed to take the lead for the final beat. Instructors Mike/Nigel were again demonstrating their capsize technique alongside Alan/Sue who seemed to master it somewhat better!
Lady Emma, the Commodore’s wife, sailing in an Enterprise with Mark found the conditions challenging. Nothing to do with Scumper plying her with a drink or two the previous evening was it?
John Somerville made a guest appearance in Keith’s F15 and put up a good fight against Mike/Kayla, leading at times, but taking a crucial place from them on the finish line. Ian/Lezli-Ann also sailed well and managed to fight back a several times to win both races.
There was some consistent sailing in the handicap fleet with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places going to Steve/Ruth, Toggle and Banter in both races. Zefer was practising his capsize skills again.
Sunday started off wet and blustery, but as the morning went on the gusts eased (well some of them did!).
The wind had a massive curve in it such that the expected beat up the eastern shore was nearly a fetch to 5, followed by some wallowing (Ian reckoned he was going backwards at one stage) in the shade of Sale Fell before the gusts kicked in again (which caught several people out). Though Steve/Ruth were first across the line, they were beaten on handicap by Scumper. In the F15s, Mike/Kayla took the honours, with John/Tim 2nd.
The afternoon race was a pennant in aid of Calvert Trust. Despite a good breeze in the bay, there was an obligatory penance element of the course that took the fleet partway down the lake. Although the course only went as far as 10, there were plenty of holes to contend with, and a lot of the fleet remained bunched. Mike/Kayla did break away from that bunch, while Alastair and Nigel/Mike were left behind by it! Unfortunately, insufficient finish times were taken to be able to calculate the results.
After a miserable start, the day ended with sunshine.
The Celebrity Glass Pursuit got underway on a sunny Saturday afternoon with a strong breeze to boot. There was some confusion with the start sequence when a Topper unexpectedly appeared on the start line, but Herb was on the ball and kept everything in order.
Having given the Topper a head start (due to its handicap), it soon retired and Mike/Nigel took the lead in a GP. The conditions led to many capsizes, especially by Joe in his RS300 who was out for his first race of the season. Steve/Ruth held it together and broke through to the lead, though on the final leg as the time limit approached, Scumper was but a gust away from taking the lead.
The second race of the day was part of a long championship series. Steve/Ruth took a clear lead again, winning on handicap from Banter, then Scumper!
In the F15s, Simon/Jon tried, and failed, to start port on port, so they had to tack round again. Mike/Kayla took advantage of this error, and held the lead for the whole race, with Simon 2nd.
Mike/Nigel stayed upright this week and led the GPs taking the winner’s hoot.
