The weather was kind enough for the final day�s racing of the season.
Seven boats took to the water. There were mixed results over the two races but, overall, Alex in a Laser had a 2nd and a 3rd to create a three way tie on points with Phil/Oscar and Neil. The tiebreak resulted in Alex winning the Winter Series, with Phil/Oscar 2nd who won the series on a personal handicap basis.
Next Sunday the AGM will be held in the clubhouse. Papers have been circulated to all members.
Following high winds and rain overnight, and a significant drop in temperature since last week, there was little sign of wind as sailors arrived, but they were keen to race. As rain came pouring n before the start, the breeze filled in as well.
Barbara in a Radial was on course side at the start and lost a lot of ground returning to start correctly. Banter/Oscar in their RS200 took a good lead but the wind faded again on the next beat, though it came back in time to be sent round for another lap.
Despite more rain, and less wind, which had swung to the SW three boats opted to race again, on a shorter lap! The wind continued to swing back and forth, and it eased for a while as well to the extent that the race was hurriedly shortened just as Barbara was about to complete her first lap. Fortunately the wind came back sufficiently for Banter, and Neil in another Radial, to finish in reasonable time.
On corrected time, all boats maintained their position on the water, putting Banter/Oscar into 1st place overall, with Neil 2nd. All to play for in next weeks final races of the series, and the season itself!
Despite the forecast of strong gusts, and plenty of white horses to be seen in the SE wind, four helms turned up keen to have a race.
A shore based start was all that was required to get racing underway, and release the OD for some additional rescue cover!
There were various capsizes, not at the gybe mark, but all recovered to continue racing.
The wind eased between races but picked up by the end of the second race.
It�s surprising what effect sunshine and mild weather have on sailors� desire to race!
Further to recent rain, the Environment Agency are expecting Derwentwater to peak at midnight tonight which normally means Bass will peak midnight tomorrow (Wednesday). We can therefore expect Bass to rise quite a bit more tomorrow. There are 7 dinghies on the berths by the bottom path below the clubhouse. They are dry right now but will be at risk of floating by tomorrow evening.
Also, there are still a lot of boats in the compound where they were moved for Bass Week. These boats are probably at greater risk of floating into river.
Please consider how to protect your boat by moving it to higher ground, preferably in the morning.
Wet and windy conditions greeted the couple of sailors that were hopeful of racing. After a cup of coffee and a chat there was a consensus that they would not be sailing.
Perhaps next week?�
The mild, blustery, conditions were too offputting for the hardy few that turned up to sail, so racing was abandoned for the final Saturday this season.
Overall Paul Gannon won on both personal and fleet handicap basis.
Autumn Saturday series final results
Though similar conditions were forecast for Sunday, the webcam lulled a few potential sailors into a false sense of security. However, with the occasional strong gusts passing through, only Banter/Oscar in a RS200 and Archie in a Tera decided to race. They both survived without capsizing, and even though the wind strengthened towards the end of the first race, they both opted to race again.
On fleet handicap, the results moved Banter up to 4th, and Archie 2nd, but Val/Ken’s 1st place was unassailable. On personal handicap, Archie strengthened his lead, with Val/Ken 2nd.
It is with sadness that we have learned of the death of Beth Dawson, mother of past commodore Robin.
Beth passed away yesterday at home with Robin by her side. She went peacefully and without pain.
She wasn’t able to come down this year due to illness but some of the old guard will remember her coming to the Club with her late husband John who was an active member for many years, both on and off the water.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Robin, his siblings, and families at this sad time.
Wind, rain and sunshine are just a selection of the weather conditions on Saturday.
Although the forecast was for gusty conditions, three Laser sailors turned up and were tempted by the conditions to venture out, all using the radial sails! The OD used a shore line start, and with the conditions being gustier than appreciated, had a grandstand view of the various capsizes that all helms suffered.
After a couple of laps the race was shortened, with Neil taking 1st, and Paul 2nd. Barbara retired due to not being able to right her boat and continue.
Autumn Saturday latest results
Sunday’s conditions were lighter, less gusty, and there was an increased turnout though only two boats were in the same fleet!
The limited number of incidents seemed to occur in the 2nd race. Val/Ken persevered with their kite to mark 9 only to capsize when they gybed! Toggle was certain that Tim/Richard missed out YZ one lap, and Archie was not certain of the course so went round A and 4 just in case.
Sally and family would like to let everyone know that Peg Mellor sadly passed away very peacefully early on Sunday morning aged 102.
She and her late husband Jim joined the club in the 1960’s. They enjoyed sailing their GP14 and Flying Fifteen and presented the Mellor Mug in 1976.
Peg and Jim introduced Sally to sailing when she was a young girl and they were very proud that she and her children continue to enjoy Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. Peg often asked to pass on her best wishes to those she knew and missed at the club.
The Autumn Saturday series got underway this weekend albeit a week late. The forecast gusts put a couple of Solo sailors off, but in reality the conditions were less challenging than expected, and the wind eased throughout the course of the afternoon. The sun shone, and the nearby rain showers mainly missed th e race area!
There were some exciting planing conditions at times. James/Jenny in their were caught out at the first gybe mark, capsized, and subsequently retired. Jeff/Dave in a RS200 had numerous capsizes between, and during, the races before retiring as well.
Phil/Oscar in their RS200 sailed well in the first race securing 1st place, with Mike/Jack in a Graduate and Neil in a Laser sharing 2nd and 3rd. Alex/Saskia in their Mirror won the next race. Back in their RS400, Scumper/Zefer were 2nd, and Mike/Jack 3rd which was enough to put them in overall lead.
Autumn Saturday Series latest results
The gustier conditions forecast for Sunday didn’t look bad on the webcam, but in reality the gusts were coming through, and the two helms that turned up had second thoughts. Racing was abandoned for the day.