September is drawing to a close, and the temperature dipping, but the sun shone for an afternoon of medium winds to power the fleets around the course. With a couple of incidents before the start Nigel didn’t actually make it over the start line… First of all Paul got his Laser’s mainsheet caught around the bow of Nigel’s GP, causing Paul to capsize, and then be towed backwards! Then, just before the start Nigel capsized, righted the boat and capsized again getting the mast stuck in the mud, so it was all over before he started. Despite this, Nigel’s overall results were sufficient to beat Val/Ken, who won both races,  by a couple of points to win the Autumn Cup. 

In the F15s Mike/Kayla took an early lead from Ian/Tim who sailed well on the run to take the lead for a while, but Mike broke back through on the following beat, and held it through to the finish. The finishing order was the same in the second race. Mike/Kayla’s results gave them a clean sweep to win the Dawson Trophy, with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd.

After some soul searching, Joe was pleased to have opted for his Radial sail in the blustery conditions. He led the handicap fleet, winning on handicap from Tog and Paul Gannon, with the same results in the second race. This maintained Joe’s clear lead in the Skiddaw Trophy, with Paul 2nd.

With no racing in the slow handicap fleet, Mik kept his lead to win the MT Bates Trophy.

Final results

Please note that Sunday’s racing will start at 11.30 am as usual, rather than  14.30 hrs as incorrectly stated in the handbook

Sunday’s showery start put Mike F off preparing his boat for a short while until it stopped! At the start he held on to his lay line, AJ/Sue were hoping a gap would amazingly appear, it didn’t, so they squeezed between the starboard start pin and the Bates, got caught on the anchor warp and had to re-round, giving the rest of the fleet a 75 sec head start!

Jeff, with novice crew Hannah, were caught out by a gust after unravelling a wine glass twist in their gennaker. After taking a while to extract their mast from the mud, they made an early trip back to shore. John/Tim had gear problems and had to retire too.

Mike/Kayla led the fleet and built up a 4 min lead on Val/Ken which was cut back to just 15 secs when the handicap was applied. As the race was part of the two race Fleet Challenge, it meant all was to race for in the afternoon race. 

The second race started without incident, but AJ/Sue soon realised that they had rigged the genoa incorrectly wrapping the halyard around the spinnaker halyard, so they cut their losses, and retired. Mike built up a bigger lead this time, securing another 1st place to win the Fleet Challenge, with Val 2nd.

Final results

While the rest of the country enjoyed more sunshine, the lake was cloud covered all afternoon, though there was no sign of showers that were evident just a matter of miles away. There was a promising southerly force 2 breeze when the start line was set, but the risk of a swing to the south west came to fruition much sooner than expected when it affected boats on the first beat! The Sale Fell effect continued throughout the race causing holes in the wind alongside large shifts.

It seems that some of the later starters were able to benefit from the major shifts/changeable conditions. Neil Garrison in an Enterprise, started on the starboard end, took advantage of the lift from the SW and went on to take the lead, finishing a matter of seconds ahead of Joe on the finish line. In the GPs, Nigel/Glenys had to restart after being OCS giving Paul/Vicky a head start. That order is not one that many would expect to change but Nigel managed to reverse it! Mik took the honours in the Mirrors ahead of Paul/Evelyn, and leads the series.

With the wind ‘more’ settled in the SW, the results of the second race were more as expected with Paul winning the GPs (though Nigel leads the series), and Joe the Handicap fleet, strengthening his lead in the series.

Latest results

Sunday’s weather didn’t offer the wall to wall sunshine that other parts of the country enjoyed, but there was a southerly breeze which picked up to force 2-3 just before racing started to offer some champagne sailing conditions!

It is clear that very few sailors had read the handbook to determine the format of the morning’s pursuit race, and of the two that did, Mik opted out of racing with the wind picking up, so the first start time had no takers. The next start for most of those racing would be 11 mins later, but with three Laser Radials lining up there was a Laser that thought it was their start too! Calling back the Laser confused the GP that should have started with the Radials… Last year’s winners of the race Mike/Kayla knew the format, started at the correct time, and went on to win! Their win wasn’t straightforward though, having had a contretemps with Neil regarding water at a mark, and they ended up doing a 720. Perhaps miracles do happen? What a morning…

Celebrity Glass final results

The afternoon race was the Banana Stakes pennant sailed around the lake which is, of course, where Hugh ‘Round the Lake’ Godfrey sent the fleet of four boats. The beat took Mike/Kayla 40 mins, and a further 30 mins to get back to the finish. His closest competition was Neil Garrison who failed to finish correctly due to rounding the finish mark the wrong way. There was similar confusion with the others but it was Paul Gannon that was next to finish correctly, finishing 2nd on handicap to Mike/Kayla.

Banana Stakes final results

The race counts towards Sandra’s Salver for female crews. Kayla being the only crew, and female, strengthened her lead in the series

Sandra’s Salver latest results

Congratulations go to Andy and Phil on winning the Scottish Nationals at Loch Lomond this weekend, and secured the 2018 GP14 super series as well.

The long weekend of activities started on a showery Friday when there was a splash day for junior sailors to have organised fun messing around in boats.

The rain showers had passed through by Friday evening, and the good weather continued through Saturday, although the temperature had noticeably dropped. There was a good turnout of almost thirty boats sailing in Saturday’s races with shifty, variable winds. 

There was a couple of rare husband and wife partnerships in the RS400s with Scumper/Kirstie and Banter/Emma racing. The shifting winds caused a few capsizes. Ant/Jo tried to demonstrate a dry capsize technique but failed miserably when their boat flipped straight over again and they were both dumped in the lake.

Latest results

The Hunter’s held their charity curry night in aid of Super Sam Brain Tumour Charity, and was followed by a bingo evening from which the proceeds were donated too, raising a total of £555

Sunday was wet and windy, with white horses and waves dampening everyone’s enthusiasm for racing. After an initial postponement, racing was later cancelled for the day.

Monday’s forecast was for stronger, and gustier winds, but it was not to be. Having swung to the west, the winds were variable in strength, gusty and shifty, but proved to be sailable, and some took the precaution of of using smaller radial rigs, or even changed fleet to sail a Topper!

Nigel and Glenys were up to their old tricks and practising their capsize techniques, including Glenys falling out after successfully righting the boat, but they weren’t the only casualty of the day as Val and Ken, Hugh, Banter, and others, were caught out by the gusts/shifts as well.

Dave/Lynn won both races and the Aitken Cup ahead of Val/Ken in the GPs, while Bean/Naomi won the 1st handicap race in their RS200, and Scumper the 2nd in his RS100 which was enough to beat Zefer in his Laser Radial who had two 2nds. There was no racing in the F15s, or Mirror/Topper fleets.

Final results

There may have been a few showers through the week, but the lake and grounds show little sign of benefitting from them, with the lake at its lowest for many years. There was no rain on Saturday, and the sun broke through the clouds every now and again too.

The F1-2 SW wind strengthened throughout the afternoon more consistently towards F2, and although it was regularly swinging, it veered more to the W as the afternoon went on. In the first race this caused the beat to be a bit one sided, but the shifts still proved to challenging, especially for anyone on the wrong side of the shift/curving wind!

Nigel/Glenys were on the best lay line in the GP start, and gave AJ/Sue good warning that there was no room. AJ called their bluff, but didn’t manage to keep out of the way and had to do two turns (although he initially seemed to lose count all too quickly!). Nigel  wasn’t able to hold his lead, which he lost to Mike/Eric. Mike won the 2nd race as well, with AJ 2nd.

In the F15s, Ian/Lezli-Ann took the initial lead in both races, but the strengthening wind conditions suited Mike/Kayla, taking two wins, while Neil, with sister Liz crewing, got two 2nds.

Steve/Ruth in their Merlin pulled out a good lead in both races, but on handicap lost out to Tony in a Solo in race 1, and Joe in a Laser in race 2.

The Mirrors/Toppers were pushing the start line in race 2, with the Simpson brothers in a Mirror, and visitor Oliver in a Topper, both being OCS and had to return. Bean/Oliver won both races.

Sunday’s wind should have been stronger than Saturday, but it wasn’t to be, and there were light patches from time to time, and little sign of the sun.

With just two F15s racing, Mike/Kayla took no chances and covered Ian/Lezli-Ann whenever they could. Although this gave them wins in races 3 and 5, winning them the series Ian did manage to break cover a couple of times in race 4, and went on to win it, and finishing 2nd overall.

There was some close racing in the GPs in race 3, with AJ nipping into 2nd place ahead of Val/Ken on the final beat, but the series was won by Mike/Eric a clean sweep of with five wins, and AJ/Sue 2nd.

The lighter conditions proved challenging for Steve/Ruth in their Merlin, but they did finish the day with a 1st and 2nd, finishing 2nd overall behind Joe in his Laser who added two 1sts to his Saturday results.

Bean/Oliver finished the day with a couple of wins, and the series trophy, helped by squeezing others off the line in the first race. Mik was 2nd overall.

Final results

Former rescue driver Chris Hunt too to the water in his RS400, and while getting to grips with it became the only boat to capsize. James was keen to rush to his rescue, if only to mock and perhaps take photos…

On Saturday Neil Garrison won a Laser open meeting at South Shields partly after taking advantage of 180 degree wind shift that occurred at a time that suited him, but stopped others in their tracks as they lost the wind altogether!

If anyone is interested in taking part in this year’s 24 race at Southport contact Neil Garrison so that he can gauge interest and help determine whether we should enter the event this year.

The lake was surprisingly calmer than forecast on Saturday, though started off a little drizzly, so there were a few takers for the start of the weekend series.

The wind and gusts did pick up a little over the course of the afternoon to give some good planing conditions. The sudden wind shifts proved to be testing, and there were a couple of capsizes.

Scumper pulled out a good lead in his RS100, winning on handicap and, after finishing, followed son Matthew, sailing a Tera, round his course, but it wasn’t sufficient to beat Phil/Oliver who won the slow handicap race. The second handicap race was won by Joe in his Laser (perhaps he wished he had used his Radial rig after all!)

Dave/Lynn won both GP races with Mike/Eric 2nd.

Well done to some of Ant’s new proteges who chose to sail their first race – Matthew Collantine was crewing for Ant in a Vision, and they are lying in 2nd place overnight, while Roger Price/Chris Wheeler in another Vision, completed the first race, but capsized before starting the next race.

Sunday was dry, bright with mixed winds. Four fleets took to the water and enjoyed good racing with occasional planing conditions, but various gusts and major shifts resulted in a few capsizes. Joanie says it was her fault that she and Toggle capsized, but did he tell her to say that?! In the first race Mike/Kayla broke through to the lead in the F15s at the end of the 2nd beat, and took the win ahead of Neil/Rory. However, Neil took the next two races to win the Ullock Mug. In the Handicap fleet Scumper and Zefer were sharing the top positions, but Scumper had the edge taking three 1sts to win the Grisedale Cup, with Zefer 2nd.

With Dave Lawson racing a Laser, Val/Ken stepped up to the line and, winning the first two races in the GPs, they were in with a good chance of winning the McMillan Cup but the final race slipped from them as Mike/Eric took the win and the trophy.

Phil/Oliver continued their winning ways (with lifeboat in tow!), to win the Round Table Tankard, with Matthew a creditable 2nd place overall.

Final results

Next weekend we are hoting a Laser open meeting on Saturday, and Solo open meeting on Sunday so there will be no club racing. Early entry discounts end on Wednesday so don’t miss out.

This weather does nothing to curb the growth of grass, so Toggle and his team continue with their weekly working parties, but would always appreciate additional help. If you would like to help, contact Mike Cowan, or just turn up on Wednesday evening at about 6.30pm

In contrast to last weekend’s sunny windy weather, Saturday was overcast with a lack of wind. There had been a good turnout for the morning training session, but fewer numbers for the afternoon race. Those that were there were keen to sail so, despite the lightest of airs, probably one of the smallest courses (A-9-0) was set just in case the course needed shortened, but it suited the conditions and those racing. By the end of the first lap the wind filled in from the west, so the race lasted for another couple of laps.

Ian Hall took the honours in his Solo with Nigel/Glenys in a GP 2nd

Latest results

After a wet night, the sun was shining on Sunday morning but, despite the tell tale Bothel turbines turning in a SW breeze, the lake was very patchy. The committee boat took to the water and the wind started to fill in from the north. A line was set and the wind promptly swung to the west. A line was set, the race started and the fleet of three set off on a fetch to the first mark as the wind had swung back to the north. Surely the wind would swing back again? No, it wasn’t to be. Mike had led the fleet in his Streaker, and won on handicap ahead of Paul/Vicki in their GP.

The afternoon pennant race was held in the northern bay. The course was set based on a westerly but it again swung resulting in tacking on every leg of the course! As in the morning, the final result was the same as the finishing order on the water with Paul/Vicki 1st, and Mike 2nd

RNLI Pennant final results

The race counted towards Sandra’s Salver for female crews, and although Mike/Kayla were sailing at Rutland this weekend, finishing a creditable 3rd position, Kayla still tops the leader board.

Sandra’s Salver latest results

Saturday was sunny, warm, but blustery and only a few hardy sailors were planning to sail (or was that swim in Alastair’s case?). However, within 15 mins of the start time the wind suddenly eased as it fought with itself coming from multiple directions, and there was 15 boats quickly rigging and launching. Relying on the forecast easterly being the predominant direction, a line was set and racing got underway with a reaching start! Of the seven legs in the course, boats were beating on at least six… There was one capsize, not Alastair, and a few retirements, but at least it wasn’t a blow out as it originally  seemed it might be. In the end Dave Lawson in his Laser won by 3 secs ahead of John Reekie in a Solo.

The wind settled more to the north for the second race, though it did swing yet again. On handicap, Scumper won with John Reekie 2nd. In the Mirrors, Jonathan/Henry won both races from Paul/Emily.

A challenging afternoon for OD and sailors alike.

MG series latest results

Sunday started off windier than Saturday, with the wind whistling through the rigging. The only likely sailing seemed to that of some exhibition windsurfing by John Reekie, but as on Saturday, the white horses faded as the wind eased, and there was sufficient interest to get racing underway with eight boats. The wind was variable again, and many sailors found it annoyingly frustrating, but there were many exciting gusts, and not too many capsizes.

After lunch a few more boats took to the water, but a squall on the start line caused some minor mayhem with two boats capsizing.

Zefer was overnight leader in the Handicap fleet, 1 pt ahead of Alex/Olivia, while Dave/Ken led the GPs being the only finisher in their race.

Bank holiday Monday was another glorious day and the first day the cadets could get afloat in a fleet of Teras and Optimists

With more reasonable winds which initially came from the south east the OD sent the fleet down to mark 7 at Scarness, the only downside being that the wind swung more to the east on the final lap causing a shadow on the eastern shore, slowing down the race pace with some boats taking almost 90 mins to finish the morning race.

The final race of the weekend series had more shifty winds, variable in strength too, but there were no capsizes, and two notable finishers in the slow handicap fleet of Matthew Somerville and Henry Bullen who were both sailing Teras.

Scumper won both races, but it was Alex/Olivia that won the Isel Cup series with a 2nd, beating Zefer by 2 pts. Dave/Lynn won both races in the GPs to winthe Commodore’s Prize with Mike/Sally 2nd.

Bean/Oliver won both races in the Slow Handicap fleet, but Paul’s finish on Sunday won him the Orsova Cup

Final results

It wasn’t only the Windsor wedding that enjoyed wall to wall sunshine on Saturday. Though the wind was patchy over lunch, the sea breeze came in and built up throughout the afternoon.

Mike/Kayla continued with their cover tacking over Ian/Lezli-Ann in the F15s apart from on the final beat when Ian took the honours by a hair’s breadth! Mike didn’t make the same mistake in the 2nd race, and built a stronger lead to reverse the result, taking a win and the lead in the series.

Alex/Olivia in their RS200 won the first race from Dave L in a Laser, but they had no competition for the 2nd race.

In the GPs Paul brushed the start line by the finest of margins, but it was Val/Ken that mastered the conditions to take two winds ahead of Mike/Eric. AJ/Sue started well with their new suit of sails but had top settle for two 3rds. Mike leads the series.

Emma/Rory had a good start in the Mirrors, despite being without a watch! However, conditions were just a bit too much, so they soon retired leaving Mik to complete the course and take the win, and the lead in the series.

MG series latest results

Cloud cover on Sunday brought in some stronger winds that proved to be a bit much for Josh and Poppy who retired before getting past the F15 moorings, which left Mik with no competition in the Mirrors so he headed ashore, but had to be towed ashore when his main came down.

Alex/Olivia sailed well and took the lead in the Handicap fleet only for their main halyard to break, so they needed a tow ashore too, so it was Dave L in a Laser Radial that took 1st place from Rory in a Solo.

Phil/Sarah had a good race in the GP taking 1st place from Mike/Eric. OD Ian Macpherson had qualms about sending the two F15s round an extra lap (to keep the trailing handicap boats company), it didn’t help Ian/Lezli-Ann catch up Mike/Kayla who took another win strengthening their lead in the series.

BL Series latest results

The afternoon race was the Albert Bates Retirement Trophy, sailed as a pennant race around the lake. Surprisingly the winds were reasonably steady, and eased as the race went on. Mike/Kayla took an early lead which they held to the finish. The GPs had a close race with Mike/Eric finishing only 8 secs ahead of Val/Ken after 80 mins racing, but it was Mike that won the trophy by 23 secs on handicap.

Albert Bates Retirement Trophy results

The RS400 Northern Championship was held at South Shields over the weekend with successes by Scumper and Zefer finishing third overall, with the championship being won by new member Dave Exley and Mark Lunn. Congratulations to you all!