Ne’er cast a clout till the May is out – so true! The forecast wall to wall sunshine was nowhere to be seen, and the light winds were cold.

With the Catapult fleet having their open meeting with us again, there was a great turnout of boats. The winds eased as the afternoon progressed.

Tog coaxed Joanie out in the RS200 again, and despite his frustrations seeping through, she was still smiling at the end! It was Robbie D that built up a good lead, but when the handicaps were applied, Banter, newcomer Ian Hall, and Alastair were hot on his heels finishing within 29secs of his corrected time. In the 2nd race, Robbie D again took the honours, with Jim C 2nd, and Mik, with no comps torus in the Mirror/Topper fleet, finishing a few secs later in 3rd place.

Mike/Kayla won the 1st F15 race but in the 2nd race, Ian/Lezli-Ann kept the wind to take the lead, and advantage of the shortened course (though they were hoping it would have been shortened earlier). Dave/Lynn won both GP races from Mike/Eric

Latest results

There could be a bit of hot air this evening with entertainment comprising Chilli followed by a rules talk/discussion by Eddie Ramsden. Will everyone be fired up to protest on the water tomorrow?

Sunday offered slightly milder, but much stronger and gustier winds. Although there were various capsizes, and several near misses, the good reaching conditions and close racing made it an enjoyable race for many. For some reason sheep syndrome took over and several boats went around the leeward mark the wrong direction (consistently) and so were giving DNF.

Lucy was crewing for Alastair, but not amused that they capsized on their way ashore. Perhaps they’d let their guard down…

After lunch there were another two races that were certain to tire many out, especially as the wind continued to blow with some wild gusts at times.

Alastair/Lucy crossed the finish line only to be flattened by one of the gusts – did it blow Alastair’s hat off too?

Izzy (or is it Hazel?) and Harry put in gutsy performances in their Toppers coping with several capsizes, finishing two of the races, and retiring in the final one of the day. Despite some close racing, Harry took two firsts and currently leads the series.

Scumper/Zefer kept Robbie D/Banter at bay taking 3 wins and the overnight lead in the handicap fleet, while Paul is in 3rd place. Dave/Lynn recovered from their mark rounding mistake in the first race to win the next two races and overnight lead ahead of Alan/Sue.

The F15s had some close racing, sharing the wins between Mike/Kayla, Simon/Jon and Neil/Tog meaning everything was to sail for on Monday for which the forecast was more of the same, though with the wind from the SSE. Indeed there was a good SSE wind on Monday, but it wasn’t as gusty. The wind direction suited some courses that made use of the southern end of the lake. Birthday boy Simon sailed with his sensible head to win both races and the F15 series with Mike/Sally and Neil/Tog each getting second to finish 2nd and 3rd overall respectively.

Despite some strengthening competition from Val/Ken who are quickly getting to grips with their new boat, Dave/Lynn took another couple of firsts (and the Lyne Tankard), with Val and John each taking a 2nd place, but AJ’s first on Sunday secured him 2nd overall ahead of Val.

Whether it was the less gusty conditions, or the longer beats, John Reekie mastered his Musto Skiff to win both races in the handicap fleet. Robbie D and Shunty each had a second position, but Scumper’s 3rd place was more than enough to win him the May Holiday trophy when combined with his three wins from Sunday.

Commodore Andy sailed, and won, one race each with daughters Lily and Katia,  but it was Harry’s consistent performance over the two days that earned him the Peel Pot ahead of Hazel.

There was more consistent results from Gareth Ede giving him a clear lead in the Catapult open, but some more close racing led to there being only 3 points separating 2nd to 4th places, with John Terry securing 2nd overall.

All in all another great sailing weekend!

Final results – Club racing / Catapult Open

With white horses whipped up by the F5 Easterly wind an hour before the start it was not surprising that a good few prospective competitors selected not to launch. Only eight boats gathered in the starting area upwind of 0 to tackle the long beat to 4 and off wind legs 1 – A – 0.

There was some confusion when Code Flag 7 could not be found and the Flag Officer hoisted the AP Flag in its place (read your Racing Rules of Sailing if you don’t know the significance of this!). Several boats held back and Mike Fairlamb / Dave Lawson lost a significant amount of time.

John Reekie in the Skiff was enjoying the heavier conditions until he crashed in at the end of lap1. But he still let the fleet on righting the boat. It was good to see Phil and Emma Davenport back out together in their 400 and they were next through ahead of the GP of John Riley / Nigel Lewis.

The OD allowed the majority of boats to do three laps but shortened for Ethan Dawson’s Radial and Ian Hall’s Solo.

Results show John Riley / Nigel Lewis as race winners in both PH and FH categories. Ethan Dawson was second in the former and John Reekie in the latter.

Latest results PH FH

Entries for the first round of the season long Night Jar Series are usually a little sparse. But, on this occasion, regular competitors were supplemented by nine Trainees or beginners giving a total of eighteen boats on the water.

The evening was warm and dry with an extremely light NE wind. With calm patches around the bay, race officer Ian Macpherson chose a clockwise course starting upwind of 0 with a beat to 1, a close reach to B and a long run as the final leg.

The Skiff of John Reekie took an early lead and completed the lap in 17 minutes. So, when given the option, he requested a further circuit. He was followed some 10 minutes later by the four GP14’s and Ethan Dawson’s Radial and, with the wind dropping near the Bassenthwaite shore, a shortened course was signalled at 0.

Mike Fairlamb / Ken Bell were first of the group to cross the line followed closely by John Riley / Nigel Lewis. However, the wind was shifting SE and both Alan Jones / Sue Watson and Kath Davis / Glenys Kett were pushed into 0 when rounding resulting in turns.

The trainees and beginners were receiving on the water instruction from Robbie Dawson and six completed the course with Julie Tomkinson and Peter Winfindale in Radials finished in under 38 minutes. Izzi Hunter in her Topaz Uno crossed the line just ahead of Morgan Glass who was helming the first Topper to finish. Congratulations to all who were attempting their first Club race.

Latest results PH FH

The first bank holiday of the season started with sunshine but little prospect of wind for the inaugural Good Friday pursuit. However just 45 mins before the scheduled start a sea breeze quickly filled the lake so the racing could get underway on time (well almost as Herb declared that proceedings would be held up until the Lady Commodore was at the startline).

Sailing Sec Jon and sister Judith in a F15 got the best start of all throughout the 30 min sequence. By the time Robbie D/Banter started in their RS400 the wind strength had started to ease making their pursuit a bit harder.

Mik led the fleet in his Mirror initially but was passed by one of the Toppers from the Youth squad, and then Dave/Lynn took the lead. As the wind faded even more Dave’s lead proved to be unassailable though Robbie D closed the gap considerably to finish 2nd with Mike/Eric 3rd, and Mark/Naomi 4th. Graham/Elaine led the F15s finishing 5th

Final results

The evening entertainment comprised a wine tasting quiz, so there could be a few sore heads in the morning.

Another beautiful day for Easter Saturday started with a light SE breeze. However, by lunchtime, the wind had started to swing and it continued to swing to the NW by the time racing got underway.

There was an excellent turnout of 33 boats.

Latest results

The evening social comprised a bring and eat buffet followed by a Mr and Mrs competition in which the relatively newly weds generally fared better than others…

After another starry, cold, night Sunday has started sunny with a very light wind (nothing like the forecast).

As if by magic, the wind swung round to the forecast NE direction (so much for Simon’s prediction!) and continued to freshen. Although Shunty was over the line, because he didn’t return, and the flag remained up, Bean’s conscience got the better of him and he put his gennaker up to return back to the line (shame he hadn’t been OCS in the first place!)

With the wind freshening, and many capsizes, plus a few gear failures, the entry for the 2nd race was just the F15 and handicap fleet. However, the wind eased considerably to an extent that the spinnakers would not fill at one stage.

Winds shifts at mark 3 were the cause of many a change of position, and much frustration!

After lunch, with the less ferocious gusts having passed by, all four fleets raced again. The handicap fleet caused the first general recall of the season, together with much confusion as very few sailors seemed to know the procedure.

Towards the end of the race the winds again strengthened resulting in more capsizes, and retirements, including the whole of the Topper/Topaz fleet. One of the fallouts (so to speak) of the capsizing was the OD’s wife who took to the water with Alastair in a RS400, and had to put out a call for help in the shape of a 34F!

The early evening entertainment starts with the annual Egg Dump. Claire, that ringer from Newcastle came across especially with the intention of winning the Egg Dump, and despite being up against 6yr old Amber in the final, she attained her goal after a mere 40 odd years! This was followed by a belated St Patrick’s Day celebration with some special guests…

After windy evening, sailors were probably surprised to wake to another sunny morning with light winds. Perhaps the storm had blown through? The bank holiday forecast remained the same – strong gusts from the E. Similar to Sunday, the wind did fill in after 10am and continued to freshen. Although a few prepared their boats to launch, but changed their minds as the white horses appeared, there was a good turnout that enjoyed some spectacular reaches and often spectacular capsizes.

Ian/Lezli-Ann were spotted carefully folding their spinnaker in the clubhouse so that it was easier to rig on the boat. When launched, it so happened that the folding hadn’t helped as one of the clews was attached to the halyard…

After lunch there was little enthusiasm to risk any boat damage in the higher gusts so racing was cancelled and the campers had a leisurely end to their fantastic weekend.

Final results

The Great North Asymmetric Challenge is being held at the club next weekend. First race 1pm

The last day before British Summer Time started sunny with a good southerly breeze, which increased as the morning progressed but the white horses eased before racing was underway. Mike F led the first half of the Celebrity Glass Pursuit in his Streaker, until being passed by Mike/Kayla, who were subsequently passed by winners Robbie D/Banter in a 400.

Scumper/Alastair had a few problems taking down their gennaker, slowing them down on the start of the beats, while Mike F became the 2nd boat to capsize this season.

In the 2nd race, Mike/Kayla led the F15s as Ian/Lezli-Ann and Graham/Elaine battled it out for 2nd place. Robbie D won in the handicap fleet.

Latest results – Celebrity Glass / Morgan Trophy

Sunday started hazy with a light SE breeze, and a simple triangular course was set which proved to be more appropriate for the variable strength airs which faded to a drifter as two wind directions fought it out. How Ian Mac capsized in such conditions we may never know!

In the F15s Ian/Lezli-Ann broke through to the lead and held it with Graham/Elaine 2nd. Robin/Banter had a close race with with Bean/Naomi, but, unfortunately for Robin, Bean was in a 200! Dave/Lynn again showed their mastery of the conditions in their GP, gradually pulling out a bigger lead on Andy/Phil.

The Youth squad had their first race of the season which Heidi led throughout, with David a close 2nd

With a sunny lunchtime, many took the opportunity to dine al fresco

The afternoon race was a pennant. Many of the 12 starters were keen to go round the lake so that’s what they did. A fair breeze took them down the lake but it was a bit more flukey on the return leg. Robbie D led the race, but Mike/Kayla stayed close enough to beat them on handicap, win the race, and give Kayla the lead in Sandra’s Salver. Andy/Phil led Dave/Lynn around the course finishing 3rd overall, just 11 secs behind Robbie D (on handicap).

Results – Calvert Trust Pennant / Sandra’s Salver (latest)

As if by magic, the sailing season is underway for the 63rd season.

Recent weather, and a poor forecast didn’t deter a dozen boats from taking to the water in, what turned out to be, good sailing conditions for the Starter’s Prize.

In the morning race Robbie D/Banter took the lead in a RS400, while Andy/Ginger Phil raced the new Gingerboat GP, eventually ‘released the handbrake’ (as Andy put it) and pulled out a strong lead from the other GPs. Bean/Naomi were back on the water in their RS200, and, not unexpectedly, were always in the frame but finished 2nd on handicap to Robbie D by just 12 secs.

Scumper/Tog were in a RS400 for the day, and led the afternoon race. Robbie D was close on their tail at the windward mark and promptly capsized after slipping while launching the gennaker. It was to be Andy that would win the race on handicap followed by Mike/Eric and Joan/Jack in another two GPs, and Bean/Naomi came 4th which earned them 2nd overall behind winners Andy/Phil

Final results
This weekend also saw 17 young children taking part in organised training led by the RYA coach Dave Eccles. The children’s aims were to have as many races as they could in the two days, and learn how to sail faster. With snow on the fells around Bassenthwaite and the occasional gusty sleet and hail shower passing by, the kids had to wrap up as warm as possible. Despite not wanting to get wet, some ended up taking unseasonal dips in the ice cold water.

With many of the early races were being won by the trio of Jamie Kerr, Jenny Dunn and Hazel Newport, Dave Eccles was soon having to bring in a handicap system, by making the leaders do 360 degree turns, so the rest could keep up. After several dozen single lap races and a few suggestions to each person on how to sail faster the older members watching from the warmth of the clubhouse could see quite an improvement.

The children will have a few more weekends of race coaching before Easter, when the next intake of beginners will start learning to sail, and last years intake of students have to start sailing alongside the old hands.

Bassenthwaite Sailing Club is now recruiting new members and is offering introductory training to racing level in the first year.

No, this isn’t to congratulate Mike on losing a daughter and gaining a son-in-law following their recent wedding.

Neither is it to congratulate him on a birth (as far as I know).

However, with racing being cancelled for the second weekend in a row, and just one race remaining next Sunday, he and Kayla are the first trophy winners for NEXT year’s prizegiving as their two sets of firsts in the personal and fleet handicap versions of the Winter Series puts them in an unassailable position. Congratulations!

A lack of wind for the third week in a row brought the season to close without any further racing, and gave members an opportunity to pack their boats away before the onslaught of Winter.

Final results

Further congratulations go to Mike on his three year appointment as director on the board of the RYA at their AGM this week.

Earlier in the day, Mik Chappell received a RYA Community Award for Lifetime Commitment to Sailing from HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony and lunch in ICE headquarters, London. Mik was deservedly nominated by the club earlier in the year.