.. keen! Well they must be to be camping down at the club, and then even contemplating sailing while the snow and hailstones come down in between some wild squalls! Until a couple of hours before the start the weather was putting many off, but it seemed to blow itself out just in time to tempt numerous boats on to the water for the Starter’s Prize – the first race of the 2008 season.
There were capsizes, but it was an exciting start to the season. The committee boat moored head to wind at the starboard end of the line took some getting used to – not only for the competitors but also Herb and the team. They were some over eager starters – Steve Hunt to name but one! Toggle was keen as mustard at one mark claiming no water on William – shame Tog had been coming wide into the mark for the previous 30m! He reckoned God loves a trier…. Well that’s one version!
Toggle been on Ebay again. Having sold his caravan (and upgraded to a newer one), he obviously found a bargain sailing suit – we suspect Eddie the Eagle must have been selling it as a memento from his ski jumping exploits!
The second race was sailed in a shifty but steadier breeze which faded as the race went on. Although it only lasted half an hour, it would have taken a considerable time to sail an extra lap. Andy Smith (with Emma in the 1st race and Phil Hodgkins in the 2nd) won the second race and took the series from Steve and Ruth
The showers were a must for many to thaw out various parts of their body after one of the chilliest starts to many a season.