Our Flying 15 team racing, Osprey & 505 Open is being held this weekend, however the weather forecast of strong winds proved to be accurate and put many off travelling. Even those that did turn up were surprisingly reluctant to rig their boats.

Though windy with heavy squalls passing through, conditions were sailable and thirteen F15s rigged and set off for the start. Unfortunately only twelve boats made it to the start as one boat lost its mast on the way out! Soon after a clean start another squall passed through and a couple of boats were temporarily flattened. There were several changes of position as some coped with the gusts better than others, but the carnage continued with two ripped mains and another broken mast (perhaps one dive exercise too many!?). It was wonderful for them to be told after the event – ‘you shouldn’t have done it like that!’

For the second race there were only seven starters. Simon Longstaff/Jon Denwood had the 2nd best start compared to John Somerville/Keith Thomas, but pulled out an early lead. A gust of wind at the gybe mark flattened their boat, Simon fell/was washed out, and their race was over. Unusually Mike/Kayla showed all their bottom with one gust, and subsequently retired when their gooseneck broke.

Mark Ninnim/Ian Preston practiced a Chinese gybe but continued on their way, and enjoyed moving up the fleet again as boats dropped out!

Despite all the mishaps, sailors were keen to have another race, though they later changed their minds after warming up in the clubhouse with a nice brew!

The Bass micro climate didn’t beat the forecast, and the winds didn’t ease, so racing was abandoned, and an early prize giving held.

There can’t be many events where a boat that gets demasted even before it gets to the start line is�in the prize list, but�Rod Huddleston/Alan Baker did just that as part of the second Derwent team ‘The Lads and One Lass’

One of the traditions of the team racing is to re-award the Grotty Potty. Last year it was won by Simon Longstaff, and although he was a worthy contender again this year, having done a ‘Tom Daley’ yesterday, he couldn’t and wouldn’t�nominate himself, so he considered Dave Gebhard’s antics, including his swimming, but mainly for being down the creek without a paddle – boats taking shelter between races opted to venture into the mouth of the Ouse where it was shaded from the blasts of wind. No Dave didn’t try to sail under Ouse bridge but, unfortunately, he misjudged the shallow waters and went aground. At least he can look forward to nominating someone for their embarrassing actions at next year’s event!

Final results

Great winds were forecast for the first day of racing with a fleet of 28 boats.

The wind was erring towards a southerly, which would mean some good long beats down the lake. However, a touch of westerly had the wind swinging around Sale Fell from time to time. This was apparent in the first race when the beat became a little one sided, and the OD starred to have kittens. However, there was some close racing, and Matt Thursfield secured his first win of the day.

After checking the southern end of the lake for a consistent breeze, it was decided to use that part of the lake for race 2. Racing started in a good southerly, but 10 mins in and it was no longer a steady wind… Holes appeared, major shifts, and much frustration. Just after shortening the course, the wind filled on the western side of the course which wasn’t where the leaders were, and Matt romped home with his second win.

The course area reverted to the northern bay for race 3 where there was a good westerly (and it wasn’t even a sea breeze!). The wind was swinging a little, but there was good close racing in excellent conditions. Bass’s Dave/Lynn Lawson took an early lead, built on it leg by leg, and held it to the finish.

With the forecast of lighter winds for Sunday, the OD continued with the quest to sail four races. The conditions held to get another good race in which, early on had Bass in the first three places. However, it wasn’t to last, but GP treasurer Paul Bowmer flew the flag for Bass and led the fleet at the finish.

Overnight positions had Matt in the lead, with Paul, Dave and Commodore Andy Smith, all from Bass, taking the next three places.

With two further races to sail, what would Sunday’s weather bring? Answer – a better than expected southerly. Would the OD chance using the southern end of the lake again? Once bitten…

Despite the 10.30 start being a challenge for some to get to the line, there were three boats that had to be recalled for being over the line. As none returned, they only discovered they had erred as they crossed the finish line but without a hoot. The most unfortunate offender was Commodore Andy Smith who built up a strong lead, which he held all the way, scuppering his chances in the championship.

The final race was held in the northern bay as well. Dave/Lynn took the lead from the windward mark. Despite being challenged by Richard Instone, they stayed ahead, winning the race and the championship – a great bonus for Lynn’s birthday! The remaining contenders for the championship, Matt and Paul, were 3rd and 5th respectively finishing 2nd and 3rd overall, but in equal points. Obviously a close run, challenging championship that was enjoyed by all.

If you are missing a spinnaker or tiller extension, give us some identifying details and we’ll check if the ones found are yours!

Final results