For various reasons there weren’t many takers for the latest weekend series, but those that did turn out were keen to take to the water once there was the hint of sufficient breeze to blow away the mirror like conditions. So when a light northerly filled in the OD took to the water and the sailors followed.
The wind swung a couple of times while waiting for the fleet to get to the start line, so a simplified triangular course was set, which seemed to be the most manageable option for the conditions.
Fortunately the general wind direction remained from the north, but the strength was much more variable. Joan/Jack took the leeward mark a little bit too close and had to do a turn losing significant ground on Dave/Lynn who went on to win.
John Roberts managed to lasso the staff on mark A, so after untangling himself he too had to do a turn. Jim C led and won the slow handicap fleet, with Mik 2nd.
In the fast handicap fleet, Robbie D/Banter won with Alex/Olivia 2nd
Before all had finished the wind dropped to drifting conditions and all hopes of another race faded.
It was unlikely that Sunday’s conditions would enable four races to be sailed, but it did look promising as the day started with a warm, light southerly.
With a plan to get two races in before lunch, the courses were plain and short, even though Robbie D wanted longer legs (an eternal wish for him some might say!)
The wind did ease as the second race went on, and finally died over lunch. Scumper and Hugh each had a first in the fast handicap, while Jim C and Barbara each had a first in the slow handicap fleet, and Dave/Lynn took two more firsts in the GP fleet.
With no obvious sign of the wind filling in, afternoon racing was abandoned. As is the norm, the wind did fill in, though not really strong enough to race in.
Trophies go to Dave/Lynn in the GPs, Robbie D in the fast handicap, and Jim C the slow handicap fleet.
Other sailing events over the weekend had good representation from Bass members with Andy and Rob Smith finishing 2nd at the GP Northern Championships at Derwent Reservoir, while Hazel Newport came 7th at the RYA Zone Championship, and Josh Hunter came 3rd overall in the regatta for Toppers, Teras and Oppies at Ullswater. Meanwhile Mike Moore and Kayla Sheard came fourth of 17 at the Burton open meeting. The results meant that they were tied on points for the Waples Wine Northern travellers series but came second on countback.