Category: Racing

Shivery Saturday!

Saturday started off with clear blue skies, but by the afternoon the clouds had moved in and removed any benefit of the sunshine in the cold NE breeze which filled in just in time for racing.

There being just one asymmetric boat sailed by Neil/Archie, it raced in the MJ� series, and led the fleet in both races ahead of Dave/Lynn in their GP. Val/Ken launched their GP in time for the second race, and had some good racing with Dave/Lynn, finishing just a few seconds behind.

On handicap, Dave/Lynn won both races to lead the series, with Rory taking two 3rds, lying 2nd overall.

Latest results

Sunday’s conditions were similar, cold, overcast, and a light F2 from the north. The fleet of five boats stayed relatively close together with less than two minutes between 1st and last. Paul in a Laser led the fleet across the finish line, but on handicap the honours went to Dave L in a Radial. with Mike F in a Streaker 2nd.

After lunch break the wind freshened, Chris in a RS300, despite numerous capsizes, persevered to finish the course. Dave L was 1st across the line, with Toggle in his Solo 2nd, and Mike F 3rd, with corrected times reaffirming the finish order. Dave L leads the series

BL latest results

 

Sun Filled Saturday

Saturday greeted sailors with sunshine and patches of wind that filled in from the NNW in time for scheduled afternoon racing, though, after the first lap, the wind came and went, backed to the W before filling back in again from the NNW in cycles. Consequently some boats took 80mins to finish the first race.

The wind faded shortly after the start of the next race which was soon shortened to avoid another drifting finish, much to the relief of many, as well as Shunty who had advised the OD he had a table booked for 7.30!

There was close racing at times, and mixed fortunes, with various positions being swapped. AJ/Sue were on the better side of the mixed fortunes, taking two wins in the GPs from James/Jenny. Andrew Reekie secured two wins in the Teras from Rory Davenport.

MG etc latest results

Sunday was more overcast, with a forecast of a lighter wind. Again the wind swung, and varied in strength. There was a brief period at the end of the first lap when the fleet bunched up as the wind dropped, but it filled in again to continue the race for another lap. Phil/Rory in a RS200 led the fleet across the finish line, but on handicap John Reekie in a Solo won, with Dave Lawson in a Laser Radial 2nd.

BL etc latest results

The next race was the Albert Bates Retirement Trophy; although the wind was light on the first beat, it freshended for the rest of the race. Banter/Rory were on top form, pulling out a strong lead from Neil/Archie in a RS200, then Mike/Sally in a F15. On handicap Banter won, with Neil/Archie and Dave Lawson tying for 2nd place.

Albert Bates Trophy final results

Storm Kathleen

The arrival of storm Kathleen has caused some spectacular spindrift across many parts of the lake.

The OD soon raised AP over A postponing racing for the day, but with the storm potentailly intensifying, and no positive interest from anyone wishing to sail, the decision has been made to postpone Sunday’s racing as well.

The winds are testing how well boats are tied down, and some members have been checking/retying some that are moving, but it may be worth a visit to the club to make sure your property is safe and secure.

Easter 2024

The first camping weekend of the season benefitted from drier and sunnier weather than expected in the recent longer term forecast. The wind generally came in from the south, though it occasionally veered to the SW as it swung around Sale fell, creating a shadow on the course area, and easing the wind.

There were 32 boats on the water, and it was some consistent sailing by Dave/Lynn in their GP that won them the Celebrity Glass trophy with 3 points, ahead of Matt/Oliver in a RS200, and Rob in his Phantom.

Final results

Grace hosted a quiz on Saturday evening in aid of her World Challenge trip

Despite a mirror like lake at 9am on Sunday, the wind quickly filled in from the SE again to create some exciting racing conditions. The rain stayed away, and there was plenty of sunshine, but the temperature remained cold.

There were many powerful reaches which resulted in various boats practicing their capsizing skills, emphasising the need for good drysuits! As ever, the wind veered to the ESE, and eased for a while giving some relief to the sailors, but overall the conditions were testing for those just starting their racing season.

Monday’s forecast wasn’t very palitable, with predicted winds of force 4 gusting 6, no sun, and the risk of rain, so many campers opted to pack up and return home early. However, the wind didn’t generally rise above force 3, and the weather fortunately stayed dry, though, with no sun, it was bitterly cold!

In the F15s, there was some close racing between new members Dave/Jackie Gebhard and Pete Kassell, with Dave winning both races and the Easterly Trophy overall.

Dave Lawson in a Laser had more consistent racing to win the handicap Easter Trophy with Steve/Ruth in their Enterprise 2nd, and Rob Cook in a Phantom 3rd. Due to the weather conditions, Pix/Matt joined forces in a B14, but a capsize scuppered their chances, so they went for a play.

Phil/Oliver Smith had three straight wins in their Mirror, winning the MT Image Trophy, with Alex/Phoebe Leonard 2nd, and Andy/Isabelle Tunicliffe 3rd

Final results

Starter’s Orders

The sailing season officially started with a two race series for the Starter’s Prize. The sun was shining, the wind had eased, and the temperature had increased several degrees from Saturday’s bone chilling weather.

Neil/Archie were a little too eager for the start and were recalled, but it had little detriment to their overall position. The wind varied in strength between F2-F1, as well as direction throughout the races, but overall the conditions were suitable for easing the 14 boats back into the racing season.

Phil/Lucy won the first race in their Mirror, with John/Jack in a GP 2nd, and Naomi in a Mirror 3rd.

The wind eased on the 2nd lap of the 2nd race, dropping the Mirrors down to 5th and 7th respectively. Neil/Archie took the honours, with Rory in a Solo 2nd, and Ellie in an Aero 3rd.

Phil/Lucy won overall, a point ahead of Rory and Ellie whose positions were determined on tie break as 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Overall results

Winter rolls in

On Saturday evening the annual bonfire celebrations were held together with a great display of fireworks.

Sunday started with several eager sailors but mirror like conditions on the lake. With the wind typically filling in by 1130hrs it wasn�t looking promising that there would be any racing, but just five minutes later a light breeze appeared from the forecast WSW direction. There was a half hour delay to have an early lunch after which there was a lovely breeze across the full bay.

The wind eased slightly after the first race, but held to get the 2nd race of the Winter Series in. No major position changes throughout either race which were both led by Neil/Archie in their RS200, followed by Tim/Barbara in a F15, then Neil in his Laser.

While Banter was OD, Oscar tried his hand in a Laser Radial for the first time, and did well to keep between the Solos in the first race despite his toestraps coming adrift.

Latest results (when available)

End of Summer Time

The end of October brings the Autumn Saturday and Sunday series to an end, as well as the end of British Summer Time resulting in the clocks going back an hour on Saturday night.

Unusually there was a SE breeze on Saturday that had a chill to it, but sufficient to have sailors sitting out. Fortunately there was only a couple of capsizes during which the helms would have appreciated the benefits of wearing drysuits! Hannah and Zara again followed the morning training session by taking part in the first race in Teras, though that proved enough for one day, mainly due to the lower air temperature.

AJ/Sue seemed to be sporting a new bridle – did it make the difference to pull through from behind to beat James/Jenny in both races? On the water, Neil/Archie in their RS200 led both races, but they were unable to significantly pull away from Alex in his Laser in the second race.

On handicap, AJ/Sue took two wins and the series trophy, with James/Jenny 2nd and Alex 3rd.

Final results

Despite a wet forecast, Sunday remained dry for the final two races in the Auumn Sunday series. The wind was from the SSE, and had a damp bite to it. There were occasional opportunities for planing, but no capsizes, though by the end of the final race the wind was easing.

With a mix of classes in the fleet of seven boats there was very few place changes. On handicap, in the first race it was Neil G in a Laser that took the honours, followed by Neil/Archie in their RS200 and Mike/Jack in a Graduate. Neil/Archie won the final race and the series, with Mike/Jack 2nd, and AJ/Sue 3rd overall.

Final results

Calm after the storm

With the high winds due to storm Babet having subsided, sailing conditions were pleasant for the fleet of eight boats, though the NW breeze had a bite to it, tempered slightly by occasional sunny spells, there was no rain.

Thomas/Henry tried their hand at racing the F15 but foiled when a spinnaker sheet miraculously wrapped itself around the rudder, so they retired. Neil/Archie in a RS200 led the fleet in both races, with James/Jenny in a GP 2nd, but it was the second race that they built a good lead. AJ/Sue had mixed fortunes but pulled back on James by the end of each race.

On handicap, in the first race the GPs took 1st and 2nd, with Neil G in a Laser 3rd, but Neil/Archie won the next race, followed by the GPs

Latest results

Sunday’s racing was delayed 45 minutes waiting for the wind to fill in. When it did some drizzle came with it!

Neil/Archie led the fleet again with AJ/Sue following on, though in the next race AJ was first to cross the start line (albeit five seconds after the signal), led to the windward mark, then with all the excitement their gybing skills failed them allowing Neil to catch up…

The race was shortened due to the fading wind as a result of which the large time difference between Neil and AJ was exaggerated as the mirror like conditions returned.

On corrected time, Neil/Archie had two 1sts to take the overall lead in the Sunday series. Similarly, AJ/Sue had two 2nds and are second overall.

Latest results

We want reaches

Despite the air temperature plummeting over recent days there was a handful of boats keen to race in the WNW F2 breeze. Neil was keen to have reaches, so that wish was taken on board, with one beat and five reaches. Stand in OD Nick was ticking off each spinnaker leg as the wind veered , and dark rain cloud moved in towards the end of the first lap.

The beat was last as the wind swung, and the wind eased as the rain passed through, before backing to the W in time for the 2nd race.

Between races, James asked for fewer gybe marks to appease his crew!

The wind faded by the next race, which seemed it might just last a single leg, but the wind came in from the NE, albeit for just a few minutes, but long enough for the race to continue on to complete a full lap, though it was to be a drift to the finish�

On the water, the first race was won by Neil/Archie in their 200, followed by Val/Ken and James/Jenny in their GPs.

The slow finish in the next race will likely result in on the water positions being the same on corrected time with Neil/Archie finishing 1st, then AJ/Sue in a GP, and Tim/Barbara in a F15

Latest results (when available)

Sunday was flat calm (just the way Mike/Jack like it!) and bright sunshine, but the forecast W breeze came in and racing was underway by noon. Again the wind veered to the NW for a while but swung back again. The occasional gust enabled planing conditions to top off a good day�s racing.

Neil/Archie led the first race until the leeward mark which they rounded the wrong way, but despite losing several places, they pulled back to finish behind Mike/Jack on the water, with Thomas/grandad Keith in a F15 third.

In the next race, no mishaps so Neil/Archie led throughout followed by Mike then Thomas.

Latest results (when available)

Sultry Saturday

Well not exactly sultry, but still very mild! The recent rain has found its way into the lake, which has risen significantly through the week. Ensure your boat is safe in case of significant rises in the lake level over the next few days.

Though overcast, the rain held off all afternoon and there was a good F3-4 for the select group of sailors to enjoy some good planing conditions. The downside being that most boats had a capsize, and Neil/Archie continued there streak of retiring due to gear failure, this time due to the kicker block giving up the ghost!

Neil in the RS200 had been leading the first race before retiring, but Alex in his Laser was close on his tail. Paul in a Radial lassoed the leeward mark with his mainsheet before capsizing to get free.

Sisters Hannah and Zara continued their learning curve, and were loosely guided by Neil G to get them around the course successfully, but one race was sufficient, especially after a brief capsize.

That left just Alex and Paul competing in the 2nd race. Though Alex led, he did capsize on one gust, enabling Paul to remain in striking distance for the rest of the race.

Latest results (when available)

Sunday was brighter, still mild, with little breeze but numerous sailors keen to race.

A small triangular course was set to keep racing manageable, but the wind continued to strengthen, reducing average lap times to less than 8 minutes, enabling the fleet to sail the full course of five laps! Also, the wind veered so it was necessary to relocate the start for the next race.

Unfortunately the wind opted to fight itself for a while leaving the sailors somewhat in the lurch, so the race was shortened after one lap. Of course, the wind then started to settle in from the forecast southerly direction with the best wind of day (although it only lasted about an hour). Hey ho!

Latest results (when available)

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