A select group of boats turned out on Saturday for the fleet challenge. The rain had started on cue, and continued throughout the afternoon, which may have been an off-putting factor for some. The lake was initially partially shadowed by Sale Fell, but the wind backed and strengthened to the South, resulting in two of the four starters quickly peeling off and returning to shore soon after the start. That left Dave Lawson in a Laser and Jim/Poppy in their Hartley which, according to Jim, has a mind of its own in such conditions! Perhaps that would explain why the gybe mark at 0 became their downfall and resulted in Poppy’s first capsize, and Jim catapulting off a disappearing centreboard! That left Dave to finish another lap and take the only finisher’s hoot.

Perhaps Sunday would be a better day? The overnight rain had passed through (ask the Duncans about that!), but there was no wind. It wasn’t too long before there were ripples across the bay from the north, so a line was set and the od waited for boats to launch, as the breeze faded again… Racing was started in the very light air, and all 14 boats seemed happy to continue. it wasnt long before a some patchy winds came back, but from the west! The od opted to make the most of the light breeze, despite the lack of a beat, and sent the fleet around for another lap!

A little bit of a sea breeze kept the boats moving for the afternoon race.

Not the most thrilling of racing days, but most were happy to be on the water and sailing on a sunny Sunday!

Overall the winner was Dave Lawson, who opted to sail his GP with Lynn for Sunday’s races

Final results

An hour before the start this week�s Night Jar looking decidedly dodgy with rough water and white caps around Scarness. But several helms were keen to compete and, following a slight lull, the safety boats were launched.

The wind was slightly south of West and, to try to give some shelter, the line was set at 2 with the course 0-B-2. Six boats took the start, AJ choosing the Fifteen with Bob Gate as crew and Hazel selecting a Topper. Peter capsized his Laser on the first beat but righted with little loss of time. Lottie also went over in her Topper and, as she was near to the Club anyway, decided to retire.

The Fifteen, and Val & Ken in their GP, briefly tried their kites on the downwind run but decided discretion was the better part of valour and stowed them. After two 10 minute laps the decision was made to let the leading pair do another round and to shorten for the remaining boats. Peter�s Laser, Hazel�s Topper and John�s Pico were all in close company and were finished in that order.

By this time the wind strength had risen to force 5, gusting 6 and with heavy rain. But all made it back to the Club without further incident and were soon tucking in to a meal served by Sue who was happy to have stayed in the dry. 

Results showed that Hazel with the Topper�s favourable handicap had won in both FH and PH categories with Val & Ken were second on FH. The PH battle is going down to the wire with John who was second in the race, Jack & Joan and Tony all within a point of each other. Next week�s final round will be the decider.

Latest results PH FH

It was a pleasant evening with a SW3/4 blowing. The Sailing Secretary set a line upwind of 3 with the course being 0-1-A-3. There were 14 starters.
 Ken helming the GP tacked off onto port following the start and it initially seemed to pay off but it was the single handers who were soon at the front of the fleet with Neil sailing really well and leading Tony and Jim. Then came the four GP�s with Ken and Sue keeping up with the conventionally helmed Mike & Joan but split by Hazel�s Radial.

 By the end of lap 2 Tony�s Solo had a slight lead over Neil�s Laser but Jim had retired the Nova. Bob Gate�s Radial and John�s Pico were then finished on two laps before Tony led the three lappers across the line. The exception was Eric Wasilewski who capsized his laser during a gybe and retired.

 Of the awards Neil took Senior, Hazel Junior and Ken Crew. Julie in her L2000 won the Ladies Trophy. Simon and Steve were competing in their L2000 but Steve�s wife was on hand and had prepared a superb meal.

Results

It was a pleasant evening with a constant f3 wind from the West. With the line laid near A, Nigel chose a course of 0-9-4. Of the sixteen starters John capsized the Skiff just before the start but was soon back on the rails and sailing hard. Not so Peter & Lottie in their Laser 2 who were forced well over the line and struggled to find a gap to return.

Tog & Joan in their 200 were first to the windward mark but, by 9, John was through and away. Then came Mike & Eric�s GP, Neil�s Laser and Tony�s Solo. Joan & Jack were starting to move up in their GP after, for them, an average start.  Further down the fleet there was a close contest between Julie Tomkinson / Sarah Newport in the L2000 and Alex Kasiliwski just ahead of father Eric both in Lasers.

 Results showed the 4.7 of Hazel taking the PH win from John�s Pico. On FH it was Mike & Eric from Joan & Jack. But Tony in his Solo continues to dominate both Series.

 Next Thursday it is all change with the Ladies, Crews, Juniors and Seniors races so do give some thought which category you would like to sign in for. That is, if you have a choice!

Final results FH PH

A rainy evening reduced the takers to ten boats. Jon Anson set a long course 0-9-A-1-2 which, yet again, had three kite legs divided by tight gybe marks.

 Rounding 9 the first time caused all sorts of problems as the wind was coming in from both sides of Sale Fell. Toggle and Joan in the 200 handled it best and led the GP of Dave & Lynn for a while before both were passed by John�s Skiff. Then came Tony�s Solo and the Geeps of Val & Ken and Mike & Eric all in close company.  

 Peter Winfindale and Alex Wasilewski were next in their Lasers but, after they had gone through the line, it was decided to shorten John Roberts� Pico and Paul Gannon�s Radial to one lap. With the wind backing South it was getting more difficult for the 200 to fly its asymmetric kite but the crew held on to finish a mere 23 seconds adrift of Dave & Lynn.

 Neil was handling the food and, it being Wimbledon fortnight, strawberries were on the menu � along with a strong curry!

 FH results showed Dave & Lynn taking this week�s win from Tony and then Val & Ken. The PH win went to Peter with second and third being the same as on Fleet Handicap. At just beyond the half way point Tony leads both series, Mike & Eric being second on FH and Peter on PH.

Latest results FH PH

A mid summer fun weekend was planned, it’s a shame the weather put a literal dampener on some of the proceedings, not that the rain dampened enthusiasm!

Sunday started brighter, but with the threat of more rain in the afternoon. There was a good westerly breeze for the Celebrity Glass Pursuit which was being held as a two race series.

Jim/Poppy were first to start in their Hartley and held off the rest of the fleet for most of the first lap, but were overtaken by the GPs in which Val/Ken were putting up a good fight against Dave/Lynn. Some good gusts on the reaches helped Scumper/Joe in their RS400 claw back ground and take the overall lead with a leg to spare.

The afternoon race wind was a bit more variable and eased as the race went on. There were still gusts strong enough for AJ/Sue to recall what it is like to capsize, but they were not as prolonged as in the morning. This time Tony in his Solo led for half the race before being passed by Dave/Lynn, and they held the lead to the finish, though Scumper was very close on their tail at the end. As both Dave and Scumper had a 1st and a 2nd, the tie was split on the last race in favour of Dave.

Overall results