Eleven visitors joined five boats from the home club to contest the Waples Wine Flying Fifteen Open at Basssenthwaite SC on the weekend of May 26/27. The forecast ‘champagne conditions’ materialised with unbroken sunshine being complemented by a strong, warm breeze from the SE. Some were daunted by the apparent strength of the breeze prior to launching, some only after they had launched. Broaches were relatively commonplace even at the front end of the fleet, whilst becoming positively ‘de rigeur’ at the opposite end.

The Race Officer had elected to sail three races back to back on the opening day.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Steve Goacher and Phil Evans from RWYC showed a mastery of the conditions causing one spectator to comment ‘poetry in motion’. Whilst this may not have been particularly original, it was certainly most apposite. The pair hooked in to the full power of each gust and in each of the three races to extend a very considerable lead over the rest of a high class fleet, winning by a good margin. Neil Platt and Mark Somerville from the home club put in a strong, consistent performance to finish second in both of the opening races with Terry Crumpton and Roger Errington from Derwent Reservoir in third on both occasions.

The wind freshened during the course of the second race. Mike Moore and Micheala Sheard from Bass were second round the windward mark, closely followed by Commodore Steve Kirkpatrick and Keith Thomas also from Bass. The two boats had gone right up the first beat and found a great shift to take them to the front of the fleet. By the end of the race Steve and Keith managed to get past Mike and Michaela but by this time, unfortunately, they had both suffered various vicissitudes and were the last two boats to finish, in 11th and 12th respectively.

For the final race of the day, the squally wind had passed through, but there were still good gusts aplenty. Unusually, on the 2nd lap, Steve Goacher and Phil Evans headed for the wrong mark. They realised in time to take their spinnaker down and reach back, but they had lost most of their lead over Neil Platt/Mark Somerville, who stayed very close to his transom for the rest of the race. Terry Crumpton and Roger Errington from Derwent Reservoir finished in third.

The sailors were grateful, after their exertions to relax and enjoy half an hour of wine tasting, courtesy of the series sponsor, Waples Wines.

Conditions on Sunday were, as expected, less demanding, allowing some different sailors to prosper. Race 4 started to time at 11:30 and the race began in a pleasant F2-3 breeze from the SSE. However, during the course of a long first beat the wind slackened and became more ‘localised’. The ability to spot bands of wind on different parts of the course paid dividends – if you were able to reach them before they evaporated. It is a measure of the fickle nature of the breeze that Steve Goacher failed to round the windward mark first, although he had led half way up the leg. In the end Steve rounded 4th and appeared to lose several places by failing to bear away onto the reach. There was, of course, method in his madness and he had spotted more breeze arriving further across the course. When he reached the new breeze he bore away and eventually rounded the next mark in the lead. Steve and Phil went on to win the race with John Hardisty and John Mathie, who found the lighter conditions to their liking, in second. Simon Longstaff and John Denwood from the home club recorded a third, their best result of the weekend.

In the final race Steve Goacher and Phil Evans again showed that they are in a different class, winning the race and taking the title with a perfect score line of 5 first places. John Hardisty and Roger Errington were second, which secured second place overall. Graham Massey and Russel Clark saved their best ’til last, finishing in third place. Terry Crumpton and John Mathie sailed a very consistent series to finish third overall. Fourth overall and best Bass boat was Neil Platt and Mark Somerville, who revelled in the stronger breezes but found the lighter winds on the second day more challenging.

At the prize giving Steve Goacher said, on behalf of all the visitors, that the organisation of the whole event both on and off the water, and the quality of the sailing, demonstrated exactly why visitors always returned to Bass SC.

Sponsor Justin Waples collecting his prize with crew Louise Jackson	Winner Steve Goacher thanking the club

Although the GP Inlands are being held at Northampton, and F15 Northerns at Windermere, there is a full racing programme arranged for the Bank Holiday. The forecast, was fairly dry, with mixed winds. Saturday certainly met with mixed winds – the first race was held in light airs that faded for a while splitting the fleet, though it steadied for the second race. Commodore Stephen Kirkpatrick has given up on crews and joined the single handed fleet having bought a Vareo.

The Catapult Association again joined us for an open meeting, but they were likely to be waiting a couple of days for decent winds. Gareth Ede again mastered the conditions and took the overnight lead with two firsts.

Sunday’s forecast was always likely to be challenging (about the only time the forecast is correct!), and getting the scheduled three races in would be an optimistic outcome. The morning started off with sunny clear skies, but windless. By the time racing was due to start, a shower had moved in, but brought some wind with it. The wind was initially from the NW, and it’s a shame that when the weather dried up the wind faded again; even more so that the racing was already underway! The fleets did not even complete a whole lap, and they had to cope with the light swinging airs coming from the East, South and North. There were a few that took the opportunity to hone their pumping and ooching skills on various shifts that they claimed to have spotted.

Lunchtime was rather extended, as the wind failed to materialise, or settle down when it did appear. However, when a breeze appeared well after 3pm from the not to be trusted forecast direction, there were still many willing to break themselves away from the football and go on to the water. Racing started, and as in the morning, the wind eased just after the Catapults started, but it was not quite as dire as the morning, and the race was shortened after 1.5 laps bring the day’s racing to an end.

Despite the challenging conditions, and many positions changing throughout the race, there was still a general consistency in the overall results. Also, there was a bit of fleet and boat swapping throughout the day. Robbie D teamed up with Big E again in a F15 to give Ian/Lezli-Ann a race, and in the afternoon Graham/Alan (having declogged their control lines) and Keith also ventured out as well. Ethan was eager to try out his dad’s Vareo and was able to give Banter Phil a run for his money in the afternoon, while Steve/Ruth borrowed Paul Clark’s Graduate in the afternoon and won the race, if only by a few secs.

With the promise of better winds for Monday, the Catapults had an early start to squeeze in the missed race from Sunday. Gareth Ede yet again mastered the choppy conditions and cemented his lead in the series.

Club racing started just after the second and final Catapult race was under way, and the Commodore seemed a little surprised that the fleet set off without him! There were several capsizes, and a smothering of lake mud on some sails, but the thrills of the day seemed to outweigh the spills. As the race went on the wind strengthened a little, making it harder work, though still raceable, but it seemed to zap the enthusiasm out of the sailors because, with the series tied positions tied up, there were very few potential takers for the afternoon race.

Winner Gareth Ede receiving his prize
from father, and birthday boy, Stuart Ede

The members of Bassenthwaite SC must, surprisingly, be more righteous than most, because their collective prayers for wind, in the run up to this year’s Great North Asymmetric Challenge, were rewarded in abundance. Forecasts during the week preceding the event, suggesting winds of up to 50mph, persuaded many not to travel. Some who made the journey decided to let discretion be the better part of valour, as they watched the white horses galloping across the lake towards the clubhouse. Despite the conditions the entry still exceeded that of last year’s inaugural event, with 29 boats, representing 9 classes, opting to sail.

Defending champion, Paul Allen, was unimpressed to find that he would not have an opportunity to avenge his recent defeat at the hands of fellow RS 400 sailor, Wayne Fletcher, who was third in last year’s event, when Wayne failed to emerge from his camper van. This, however, was only the first of the vicissitudes which Paul was to experience during the weekend.

As the boats took to the water, the RS 800 of Robin and Pat Shellcock was the first casualty. During a capsize the crew took an inadvertent dive through the main sail, dividing it neatly into two pieces.

The race was sailed in cold, blustery conditions, with patches of relative calm giving respite between the overpowering gusts. Paul and Jude Allen’s second disappointment of the weekend came when their bowsprit gave up the unequal struggle and collapsed, preventing them from completing the course.

Angus Winchester, sailing a Vortex, justified his journey from Castle Semple by taking the gun, with Joe Pester and Paul Murphy from Ullswater, sailing a Laser 3000 in second place, and Mark Somerville from the home club, sailing an RS Vareo, in third.

As the fleet prepared for the second race the wind eased slightly, and some pleasant sunshine gave competitors some welcome warmth. Paul Allen managed to borrow the bowsprit from Wayne’s unused boat and returned to the fray. However, at the first hoist, he discovered that the pole was incorrectly rigged and that the ‘wing wangs’ couldn’t be adjusted. He struggled with the pole during the race and could only finish eighth. Joe Pester and Paul Murphy proved that their 3000 was a flying machine in strong breeze, showing breathtaking off wind pace to take a comfortable victory. Mike Hart and Sally Kilpatrick from Port Dinorwic, sailing an RS 400, were second, with Phil and Naomi Smith from Bass SC the first of the fleet of eight RS 200s, and third overall.

The fleet took a short break ashore to refuel, treat injuries and recover. PRO, Steve Hunt, decided that with the wind forecast to increase to Force stupid on the Sabbath it would be sensible to get five of the scheduled eight races sailed while conditions, although taxing, were not impossible – and the sun was shining.

In the three races sailed after lunch an enthralling battle ensued within the RS 200 fleet with extremely close and competitive racing between Phil and Naomi Smith, Robin Dawson and Phil Hodgkins (also from Bass) and last year’s runners up, Chris and Laura Pickles from Yorkshire Dales. These three were seldom separated by more than a couple of boat lengths, with positions changing constantly.

The 3000 of Joe Pester and Paul Murphy, however, continued to show the way, winning both the third and fourth races. Paul and Jude Allen had managed to rig their pole correctly whilst ashore, only to have one of the ‘wing wang’ lines break during the third race. They still managed to finish in second place, with Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher from Yorkshire Dales, sailing an RS 500, in third. The close competition in the 200s propelled them up the overall rankings and in the fourth race, Robin Dawson was joint second with Paul Allen, and Chris and Laura Pickles were fourth.

The demanding conditions took their inevitable toll and only fourteen boats contested the final race of the day. Paul and Jude Allen finally had an incident free race and took the gun from Joe Pester and Paul Murphy, who were joint second with Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher in the RS 500. Many competitors were wondering if they would have sufficient energy left to do justice to the evening festivities, but for most the Italian meal and accompanying libations proved quite sufficiently restorative.

When Sunday came (all too soon for some) the wind had failed to build to the extremes that had been forecast, so PRO Steve Hunt started racing on time, aiming to sail the remaining three races back to back, before conditions became untenable.

Seventeen boats took to the water under leaden, threatening skies, as the wind whistled through the rigging. Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher revelled in the increasing breeze, winning both Race 6 and Race 7. Paul Allen took a third and a second, whilst Joe Pester and Paul Murphy finally succumbed to the conditions and fell to fifth and seventh. Mike Hart took second and fourth to improve his overnight standing, before remembering that his mast sheared off at deck level in the opening race of last year�s event and deciding to quit whilst he was ahead. Chris Pickles took a fourth and a third to give himself a very good chance of being the leading RS 200.

The wind continued to build, with vicious gusts causing problems for many in the final race. Paul and Jude Allen needed to win the final race, with Joe Pester and Paul Murphy no better than third, to successfully defend their title. They showed complete mastery of the conditions to take the gun but Joe and Paul, recovering their earlier form, finished second and so won the event. Mike Saul and Meg Fletcher were fourth in the final race, giving them third place overall and Chris and Laura Pickles were again third, ensuring that they were the first RS 200 and fourth overall.

At the Prize Giving the generous sponsorship of lead Sponsor, Ronstan, was much appreciated by the competitors, with winning helms and crews in both double and single handers receiving �50 vouchers for Ronstan chandlery and one lucky competitor winning a Ronstan kit bag.

The annual F15 team racing event, and efforts to AVOID being awarded the Grotty Potty, started today at 14.30
The forecast was for some great winds, but the risk of very strong gusts passing through. Deja Vu?

Fifteen Fifteens have turned up to contest the Team Racing and Open Meeting event. The wind is relatively�light in the bay, considering the forecast. However, the ‘cats paws’ flying across the lake in all directions are suggestive of a very drunk and malicious moggy. There is a competitive fleet with Steve Goacher making the trip from Windermere and nine visitors journeying west from Derwent Reservoir.

The first race has started on time and Race Officer ‘Round the Lake’ Toggle has justified his soubriquet. Fifteen Fifteens were last seen disappearing southwards through the gap. Hopefully they would reappear at some point.

It was some time before the fleet returned, as the wind at the other end of the lake had eased, failing to live up to it’s forecast ferocity. John Hardisty and Roger Errington made excellent use of the conditions to lead the fleet home in the first race with Steve Goacher and Richard Rigg in second place. Simon Longstaff and Jon Denwood from the home club were third.

As the hoped for breeze had failed to materialise at the other end of the lake, the second race was sailed in the bay. Normal service was resumed, with Steve Goacher winning from Neil Platt and Ian Smith, from Bass. Simon Longstaff was again third with John Hardisty only managing fourth.

Steve Goacher had shown his shrewdness onshore before racing began by selecting Simon Longstaff and Neil Platt as his accomplices in the team racing event, and they comfortably topped the standings overnight.

Sunday morning dawned reluctantly, grey and dreary, with the strong overnight winds having eased. The Race Officer took the fleet out for two races back to back in a moderate SE breeze. As the start approached watery sun threatened to break through. Close racing was enjoyed through out the fleet with Steve Goacher and Richard Rigg again taking the honours from Rod Huddleston and Chris Tew, with John Hardisty and Roger Errington in third.

Although he had wrapped up the series Steve Goacher elected to stay out and contest the second race, although it could have been argued that he didn’t really need the practice!

In the event a really close race ensued with Neil Platt and Ian Smith edging out Goacher and Rigg to take second overall. John Hardisty and Roger Errington took third place in the race, which secured them third overall.

The ‘Mercenary Bass Tards’ lead by Steve Goacher and Richard Rigg took the honours in the Team Racing event by a very comfortable margin.

The prudent timing of the Race Officer was applauded by all when, a short time after racing had finished, the wind increased to Force Stupid, in line with what had been threatened all weekend.

In addition to an open meeting, the Flying 15s are grouped together in teams of three, the results weighted by Ian Preston and an overall position is calculated. Overnight the leaders were the Mercenary Bass Tards, and they held on to their lead to take the series. The Grotty Potty did not get a look in this year – who has mislaid it (or left it under their bed?!).

Looking at the photo of the winning team, was this something Steve Goacher can do in his sleep?

In club racing, on Saturday, the final two races in the October series were sailed. Scumper won both, and Mike/Eric took 2nd. Ethan/Robin Dawson finished 4th in the first race which was sufficient to win the series overall with Jim Christie 2nd.

On Sunday, William/Lezli-Ann took the lead and broke clear from the fleet. With Scumper suffering from some minor gear failure he gave in with a lap to go, leaving Banter Phil to chase William (in between screams of glee as he was planing), but on handicap William held his lead, with Phil 2nd and Peter Ballard 3rd.

For the afternoon pennant race, the high winds which had been forecast all weekend finally arrived. The fleet were sent to the top of the lake but heavy swell and a capsize by William/Lezli-Ann led to retirement of the whole fleet!

Saturday morning was wet and blustery, then as the rain cleared the wind dropped so that by the first race there was a force 2 westerly, but it was by no means steady.

Although the fleets are small, there is a high calibre of sailors ensuring competitive racing leading to some close overall positions, and little margin for error in the 200s, although most suffered from a bad move/gust at some point.

In the Vareos, the addition of Rory Yardley for Sunday’s racing will mean there are three sailors in the fleet from the top 10 in this year’s Nationals.

Vicki Flemming was unfortunate enough to break a fitting on the start line of the first race, and caused her to miss the 2nd race too, by which time the sun was out, and the gusts started coming through giving bursts of great planing conditions, and various capsizes. Vicki was unlucky enough to get her mast stuck in the mud, or finish neither race 3 or 4. Scumper (Mark Somerville), bodged a repair over lunch, and went on to win all 4 of Saturday’s races, while Toggle (Mike Cowan) tried to focus his mind after suffering a minor car crash on the way to the club! Both Toggle and Phil Davenport brought out new gennakers for the event.

Sunday turned out to be a glorious day with plenty of wind from the SW resulting the races being held in the southern end of lake from Scarness.

Racing was again very close in the 200s with the bulk of the fleet rounding the windward mark tightly bunched, but Chris Pickles moved up a gear in the stronger conditions winning all four of Sunday’s races, and the RS200 series trophy. Mike Saul came 2nd overall having sailed well taking two 2nds and two 3rds after close competition with Neil Barrett and Matt Bramley.

Robin/Ethan found the heavier conditions hard going but sailed very well and managed to beat Phil/Naomi Smith in the 2nd race before retiring from sailing for the day.

In the Vareos, after various problems on Saturday, Vicki successfully, and gleefully, finished the first race of the day in her first open. Scumper secured another two wins and the series trophy. With Toggle in a safe 2nd overall, and little to split Ullswater’s Andrew Cutting from Phil Davenport, the Vareos called it a day with no further racing after lunch.

All in all, a challenging weekends racing in mixed and exciting conditions for many similarly talented sailors.

Photos � Roy Blackburn

There was a good forecast, wind and weather wise, for this weekend’s GP14 open meeting. 17 boats turned out to compete. The first race was sailed in pleasant sunshine but with a sadly inconsistent breeze. The forecast southerly was usurped (mostly) by a north westerly, which varied considerably in pressure.� Kites were up and down on many legs of the course, with the regularity of the proverbial nether garments of� a lady of ill repute. Julie Waddington was first round the windward mark and headed the fleet until, unfortunately, drifting onto a mark whilst becalmed. Dave and Lynn Lawson showed good speed and a shrewd use of the conditions to get clear of the fleet and then hold on to take the gun. Martin Brennan and Alastair Knott were second, with Julie and Chris Waddington third. The Race Officer elected to take the fleet to the other end of the lake after lunch, where the forecast southerly prevailed. Gradually the sun faded but there was a corresponding increase in breeze. Paul Bowmer made excellent use of the blustery conditions to reach the windward mark first at the end of a long first beat. However, Martin Brennan came round the windward mark some distance behind, in third place, but hooked into a shift with much more pressure and planed over the top of the leaders. He went on to win, as the wind gradually died, with Paul and Vicky Bowmer in second and Dave and Lynn Lawson in fourth. Andy and Rob Smith� gave up the unequal struggle to hold their position, as their boat disintegrated around them, and headed for home.

Racing started on Sunday in a light, but more consistent, north westerly. There was more pressure on the right hand side of the first beat and Mike Fairlamb, who was furthest out to the right, led the fleet round the windward mark, with Andy and Rob Smith in close attendance. The Smiths took the lead off wind and held on to win with Dave and Lynn Lawson second and Mike Fairlamb and Rhonwen Bryce in third.

Race 4 was sailed back to back with a slightly stronger breeze. Andrew and Duncan Greenhalgh from Annandale found their way to the front of the fleet with Andy/Rob Smith 2nd. Dave/Lynn Lawson had their worst result to date finishing 5th with the overnight leaders Martin Brennan/Alastair Knott finishing 4th. At lunch the first� three boats were all on equal points so the last race was all to sail for. The first beat was crucial, Andrew Greenhalgh led at the windward mark by tghe narrowest of margins from Andy Smith, with Dave Lawson and Martin Brennan following. Andrew Greenhalgh led the race, and although the only helm to secure two 1sts, was to finish 3rd overall. Andy Smith fell back to third to finish 2nd overall, but Dave/Lynn Lawson fought through to 2nd and took the title.

Winners Dave and Lynn Lawson

Photos courtesy of Keith Thomas showing Andy/Rob Smith leading race 1, and Martin Brennan/Alastair Knott winning race 2

There were 41 entrants competing as part of the NWJTT. Fortunately the wind was not as strong as forecast, and the sun was shining too – what a bonus! (The severe weather warning, forecasting flash floods, hit nearby Carlisle which suffered a terrific thunderstorm, with hailstones – The Bass micro climate strikes again!!)

This year we had, for the first time, a fleet of six Optimists, but unfortunately only one Youth helm.

The conditions started with moderate winds, and occasional blustery conditions that caused a few capsizes. In the Junior fleet, Reece Tomlinson from Fiddlers Ferry showed the fleet his heels in the first race, winning by almost two mins.

Race 2 was held after a lunch break, and the wind was strengthened by a sea breeze which led to a few more capsizes, and some of the juniors struggling a little bit. There was some close racing between the Lasers, with Reece again leading the fleet.

Some of the leaders had time to come ashore for more sustenance before going back out for the next race.

The conditions were the same for the third and final race – some strong gusts, various capsizes, and much great racing,

What will be noticed in the results is a great deal of consistency. There will be a lot of weary kids on the journey home, but happy after a great days racing.

As Reece Tomlinson was the sole person in the Youth category, his results are being discarded from the Traveller Trophy, so the Junior winner is Oliver Davenport from Redesmede in his Laser Radial, with Joe Watkins from Bass 2nd.

Annandale were triumphant in the Optimist fleet, with Rebecca Bryant 1st, and Finn Mitchell 2nd.

In the Topper fleet, Calum Healey from Sutton secured 1st over Mitchell Kneale from Chester 2nd.

Junior fleet winner Oliver Davenport – Redesmere	Optimist fleet winner Rebecca Bryant – Annandale	Topper fleet winner Calum Healey – Sutton
	Sole Youth, winner of Junior fleet Reece Tomlinson – Fiddlers Ferry

The Flying 15 Northern Championship was held at Bass this weekend. The forecast was for a weekend of strong winds – which was what was delivered. There should be some exciting racing!!

Sixteen visitors arrived to join the six Bass F15s.

At the briefing the Race Officer offered to set a course but after much pursing of lips and counting of white horses, the fleet elected to catch up on its reading.

In contradiction of the forecast, the wind eased and the PRO suggested that it was a case of now or never. Reluctantly the fleet agreed to launch.

Steve Goacher won the first race by a country mile. Several boats were flattened by serious gusts; one was blown clean out of the water (literally).

The second under way and the oldest boat in the fleet was towed back in, partially submerged. If it was to be a race of the submarines Tim Chittenden was likely to come to the fore.

It seems that the most significant tactical decision that most crews had to make was whether or not they should fly the kite. Many felt that the answer to this was, ‘NOT’!

Sunday morning dawned cold, wet and windy. The wind, however, eased through the morning, and the Race Officer elected to start at 11:00.

The Race Officer radioed ashore to say that they are experiencing a problem with the committee boat and to hold the competitors ashore temporarily. After yesterday’s punishing conditions only 10 boats took to the starting area.

Steve Goacher lead comfortably, but was taken out while broad reaching on starboard – a boat sailing upwind tacked onto port and collided with his starboard shroud, with some resultant damage.

And then there were nine.

The fourth (and possibly the last) race got under way. Only seven boats remained in the fray, but with Steve Goacher out, Nigel and Gavin Tullet from Royal Windermere secured two firsts, and the championship. Simon Robinson and David Vasey from Derwent Reservoir came in 2nd overall with two seconds for the day.

Prize for first Classic went to Bass’ own Graham Kirkpatrick and Nick Smith, beating first Silver fleet boat sailed by his son, and Commodore, Stephen Kirkpatrick with Keith Thomas.

Bass is pleased to host the first ever Great North Asymmetric Challenge which is sponsored by Ronstan. Conditions at first were blustery to such an extent that two masts were broken in the first race! The breeze did increase for the next race and several boats dropped out due to capsizes.

After a coffee break the fleet went out to find the wind had eased considerably, and all those with complete boats sailed and finished each race. Of course, changing wind directions, and varying gusts, meant that the windward leeward course came into its own, and sailors had to find the fastest side of the course.

Some consistent sailing by Paul and Michael Allen in their RS400 has earned them a well deserved overnight lead, with three firsts, from Chris Pickles and Laura Westell in an RS200. Best club boat is Phil and Naomi Smith who are lying 3rd overall.

On Saturday evening sailors enjoyed a caribbean meal, followed by a disco to burn off any spare energy that they may have had!

Sunday started with sunshine and the wind filling in from the South. Just before the start a storm cloud appeared over the clubhouse and very soon squalls of wind followed taking out more than 5 boats in a matter of seconds. The wind increased and more and more boats capsized so the fleet went ashore. Shortly after Noon, the wind has eased considerably and a beat was set in the SW breeze and the 5th race was held. By the time the 6th race was about to start wind was swinging around Sale Fell allowing bursts of wind from the South. It was the twin breezes that sailors were able to use to their advantage (if they spotted what was going on!)

The fleet went ashore for lunch before heading out for one final race which seemed to have settled in from the South again. Although it eased at the start, it filled in again to give an excellent final race to the championship.

Paul and Michael Allen continued with their consistent sailing to win overall in an RS400 with four 1sts and a 2nd. Chris Pickles and Laura Westell were consistently on Paul’s tail to finish second overall in their RS200 with two 1sts and three 2nds.

Phil and Naomi Smith were best Bass boat, finishing 4th overall in an RS200.

The wind did eventually abate encouraging the Catapults to venture on to the water to hopefully get three races in of their Northern Championships. Their first race was started early at 10.30hrs and the conditions encouraged some club boats to take to the water also, but the squalls set in as they were rigging sails. The onshore breeze made it difficult to launch and William and Alistair ended up in the reeds (to the delight of certain onlookers!). Some just couldn’t decide whether the conditions were suitable and their sails went up and down like yoyos!

Toggle was determined to send the fleet to Scarness as there was wind there, but it meant sailing in the shadow of Skiddaw. Apart from that aspect of the course, the winds had increased such that the Northern bay was again filled with white horses. There were various capsizes, and Mike Fairlamb’s rudder blade sheared off.

The Catapults stayed on the water for their third and final race and there were numerous spectacular capsizes, one of which was by race leader Paul Ellis that allowed Gareth Ede to take the lead and� the championship title. At the prize giving it was noted that the Catapults had enjoyed their visit last year, but would have liked a bit more wind, which is exactly what they got!

Winner Gareth Ede receiving Northern Championship trophy
from the Commodore’s wife, Claire Kirkpatrick

Although there was a bit of a lull over lunch, the wind again increased by the time the second race was scheduled to start resulted in just five starters. With winners of the first race, Mr and Mrs Bean, retiring Scumper’s win by 30 secs from Sam Hall gave him the series with Sam 2nd.

Fortunately there was glorious weather all over the weekend while sailors waited for the wind to ease. The max gusts passing through were 50mph, and the minimum rarely dipped below 20mph!