With the arrival of November, racing is scheduled for Sundays only, and that means just five days racing left this season. The day started misty with no wind whatsoever, but the forecast looked promising. However, 11.30 came and went and there was still little sign of wind in the northern bay, but it was nice, mild, and bright, and several boats were rigged ready for action. By 12.15 various zephyrs were filling parts of the bay, so the rescue boat was launched and the Bates brought ashore.

The OD opted to make the most of what little wind there was, and while waiting for the fleet to get to the start line set in the light southerly, the wind swung to the west, so the line was moved and racing was soon underway. Perhaps the raising of a knotted class flag was the OD’s way of keeping his fingers crossed that the wind would hold. 

Although the wind swung a little more to the north, and was somewhat shifty, the wind did hold long enough to get two races in back to back. However, by the end of the second race, the clear blue skies were gone, a mist was starting to roll in, and the wind was fading to nothing again.

The results show how fortunes varied in the changing conditions with first three positions going to Tony in a Solo, Mike/Eric in a GP, and Neil in a Laser in the first race, and Steve/Izzie in a Merlin, Jim/Poppy in a Hartley, and Val/Ken in a GP in the second race. Steve/Izzie lead the fleet handicap series while Pete is winning the personal handicap series

Winter series latest results

Saturday’s races was held in a light but bitterly cold southerly wind. Competitors having to endure nearly four hours of racing were pretty chilled but at least they were moving around. The Bates and safety crews were absolutely pickled when they finally came ashore.

There were eight starters although Joan and Jack had an early capsize and were well down the fleet. Banter Phil was first on the water but Mike & Eric won on FH and AJ and Sue on PH The following race held back to back in ever lightening winds had a long course and took an age to finish. Jim in the Supernova was fed up with conditions and bemoaning no reach in the course so he came ashore. Banter was again first over the line 5 seconds ahead of Mike & Kayla. There was no wind when coming into the slipways and the Geeps had their paddles out. But Mike & Eric were again winners on FH with Banter taking the PH win.

Conditions on Sunday were much of the same. Chris & Julie had a flyer at the start of the morning race at the start and it took Mike & Kayla in the other Fifteen a fair time to get by them.

 After lunch the action switched to lower down the order. Richard lost the forestay fitting on his Solo and retired, luckily without further damage. Meanwhile Joan and Jack brought their Geep ashore for de rigging prior to their forthcoming holiday adventure. Mike & Eric took two further bullets to make it a full hous

Latest results FH PH (to be updated…)

With the high pressure continuing to dominate the weather, racing was cancelled again due to a lack of wind.

As with last week, Sunday morning welcomed sailors with an unexpected light southerly which freshened slightly as the day went on. A simple triangular course in the morning for a fleet of 13 boats suited Banter in his RS100, enabling him to put in some consistent 12 min laps and build up a 4 min lead (on handicap) on Dave/Lynn who held Joan/Jack at bay. Dave Darling suffered problems taking down his spinnaker at the end of each lap and then retired.

Although the wind swung to SSW over lunch casting a shadow on the course area, it backed to the south again in time for racing, and behaved itself till the end. An inverted P course proved to be more enjoyable, and a little more challenging. Hazel only sailed the afternoon race, but retired due to being ‘starving’ having missed her lunch. Val/Ken exited the race early as well after, but not due to, a flat tack. This time the course and conditions suited Dave/Lynn as they won ahead of Neil in his Laser, with Joan 3rd.

On personal handicap, Banter and Peter Winfindale each had a win.

Latest results FH PH

While the Southport 24hr race attracted a good selection of our members, club racing was held alongside the annual Tinker Rally. Forecast high winds may have deterred a few takers, but they need not have worried as conditions were very sailable, and the wind didn’t pick up until we tweeted that there wasn’t much!

The weather was mixed with sunshine and showers, a couple heavy, and there were mixed fortunes throughout the afternoon. Jim C was sailing his Supernova for a change and led both races winning the first one, but the heavier conditions in the second race suited the GPs and it was Joan/Jack that secured the winning position on handicap. Tony King is getting to grips with his Solo, finishing the day with two 2nds.

Nigel made a welcome return to the water, and despite a collision at the start of the second race, he was first to the windward mark.

Joan/Jack led overnight, with two races on Sunday started in a stronger than expected southerly could they keep their cool and fight off challenges from Banter et al. As it happened, Banter was a bit too eager to start and was called back (though he did suggest others were further over the line than him!), and promptly capsized, before making a sharp exit ashore. The course/conditions didn’t suit a couple of others who retired also.

AJ/Sue put in a good performance winning the first race ahead of Joan and Chris/Julie. The wind eased slightly in the afternoon but Banter kept his head to win, with Joan 2nd, and AJ 3rd.

Overall, Joan/Jack held on to their lead, and AJ/Sue’s 1st split the tie with Tony in their favour

Final results

The Tinkers were enjoying the conditions so much they had a total of six races, and had a tie for 1st overall that was split by the results of the final race with Alastair Parker pushing the regular winner Malcolm Ellwood into 2nd place. Vice Commodore Robin Dawson gave a vote of thanks, and his daughter Amber presented the prizes.

Our Southport team survived without major mishap (apart from being over at the start?) to finish 16th overall.