Just a quick reminder that, if we are to have any racing this weekend, we need volunteers to provide adequate rescue cover as the rescue staff are all away. If you are available to help, please let us know.
Thanks
Riding the White Horses
The weekend arrived with a forecast of showers, and strong, gusting winds. AJ needed to double check the wind conditions before choosing which boat in his fleet to sail. It didn’t take much persuasion to opt for his F15. Others in the F15 fleet saw the white horses on the far side of the lake and nervously opted to race. Although there were strong gusts passing through that covered most of the lake in white horses, the conditions remained challenging but sailable. AJ/Sue had to retire when a should plate pulled away from the hull, but without particularly damaging anything else. The remaining two boats, Ian/Lezli-Ann and Graham/Kayla, enjoyed some close racing with Graham winning the first race.
The only other fleet that ventured out was the handicap fleet, mainly comprising Vareos, and topped up with Steve in his Solo, and John in his RS400 (though he didn’t make the start) – the remaining five boats had all capsized before the start but persevered, enduring several more capsizes, and many great planes. Hugh needed to borrow some rope for a running repair to tie down his tack, and still finished. Tog had enough and retired in the second race.
Latest Results
Sunday’s forecast was for increasing winds as the day went on, but it wasn’t to be. There was a good breeze, that freshened as the day went on, but it never reached the gusting levels endured on Saturday.
With Mike away for the weekend, and having burnt out Graham on Saturday, Kayla was keen to find a man for the day, well a helm to be precise! She managed to tempt Steve to have another go in a F15, and they showed Ian/Lezli-Ann a clean pair of heels in both races.
Toggle had the best start in the handicap fleet, and led through to the end, winning on handicap. With the race finishing at the race office, Ethan had to sail the full course, but it didn’t stop him finishing 2nd on handicap, despite a capsize, several seconds ahead of Banter.
Toggle quit while he was ahead, and opted not to sail in the pennant race. Banter was destined to finish just behind Ethan again as they sailed together in an RS200. Bridget, with her mind on organising the NSSA regatta, was keen to get the racing over as soon as possible so only sent the fleet as far as 10. As it turned out, Sale Fell took its toll on the conditions, and there were various holes in the wind to frustrate the sailors. Steve/Kayla made the best of the challenge and won, with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd.
This race counted towards Sandra’s Salver, and with another 1st under her belt, Kayla’s efforts in finding a helm was made all the more worthwhile as she continues to lead the series.
MG Latest
RNLI Pennant
Sandra’s Salver Latest
Night Jar 9
Wind refused to fill so hoisted “N over A”. Nobody complained about that and it taught Neil’s trainees, using the Race Office as a classroom, how to abandon a race from ashore.
Another super meal from Val but no crack from Ken this week (was he off colour?!)
Last Man Standing
This weekend’s racing comprises a series of six races for the Fleet Challenge B trophy with results calculated on a personal handicap basis.
Although it was again sunny, perhaps the forecast of strong winds had put sailors off as there was only seven takers for the first race. Mike/Ian Mac in a F15 had a worse than average start, but soon pulled through to the lead. A combination of a wineglass spinnaker, and rounding a mark the wrong way, soon lost them several places which they then had to try and regain.
The course had numerous reaches, and consequently a multitude of gybes, which proved to be challenging, especially for the single handers, and there was extensive capsize practicising. An extra gybe was necessary due to the course forcing the fleet to loop the leeward mark – oops, you just can’t get the staff!
Mike F found his Streaker was difficult to tack in the gusty conditions, and as he was caught in irons all to regularly he soon retired. Paul C retired also after one too many capsizes.
On handicap, Scumper won the first race 20 secs ahead of Dave/Lynn.
The gusts continued during the 2nd race, and there were more capsizes, this time catching out Dave/Lynn. Hugh had one� capsize too many and retired.
Mike/Ian revelled in the conditions and won handsomely, beating Tog by more than 2 mins in a relatively short race, and taking overnight lead ahead of Scumper.
Sunday started overcast with a much more inviting breeze that resulted in 12 boats racing. With four races to run the OD was keen get started on time, and he did (how unusual for a Sunday morning!).
The morning courses were similar, well identical apart from the fact that one of the marks was repositioned to (hopefully) suit the F15 fleet, and although the wind freshened as the morning went on, there were no capsizes and Mike managed to miss every shift and find the, supposedly, only hole in the wind pattern (well that’s his excuse). Pam won both races, with Joe sailing well to finish 2nd in one, while Ethan took 2nd in the other.
The courses changed in the afternoon, and even got the thumbs up from Mike (not that it improved his race positions that much). In race 5, Pam and Joe took 1st and 2nd again putting Pam in a strong position for the series depending on her result in the final race in which Joe again sailed confidently. However, with Herb keen to go forth and pollinate, the last race finished at the race office. Joe led the fleet but went the wrong way through the finish line losing over 2 mins before he corrected his mistake which pushed him back to 5th instead of a deserved 1st.
Overall, Pam’s 2nd secured her the Fleet Challenge B Trophy, with Kath 2nd. Joe’s error meant he missed out on 2nd, finishing 5th overall
Night Jar 8
The forecast was for a fair bit of wind and this was the likely reason for there only being ten competing boats. In fact it was only Force 3 Westerly with the occasional heavier gust. Race Officer Steve Sharpe set the beat 3 to 0 and the course 0-1-3-4 which gave two kite legs with a gybe at 1.
Neil & Judith Currie led from the off in their 400 with Dave & Lynn Lawson�s GP and Joan & Jack Hardie�s 200 in pursuit. But, as the race progressed and the wind strengthened marginally, the Fifteen of Eric Guillois / Chris Brookes moved forward eventually finishing in second place on the water.
Val & Ken Bell had dropped their GPs kite under the boat before the start which meant they were late away. Always the gentleman, Ken insisted that Val had nothing to do with the trawling. He rapidly re-rigged the sail but there was too much ground to catch up. So they retired to concentrate on the meal which included home made sausages plus a detailed explanation from Ken of their manufacture from �happy pig� to plate!
The End is Here
Yes the deadline for receipt of Bass Week entries that qualify for maximum discount is here.
Don’t miss out. Payments must be received by today, Saturday 15 June
Summer has arrived!
For what felt like the first time this season, there was sun and a genuinely warm, but light breeze.
Though there was initially a northerly breeze, the sea breeze soon caused the wind to back and the beat was no more. While AJ was OD causing havoc in the start boat, especially through the start sequence for the pursuit race, Sue sailed the GP with Claire, and they seemed to be a perfect match – smiling all the way round! Roy was again caught being on the course side of the line at the start so had to return enabling Pam to lead for the first lap when she, unfortunately, sailed the wrong way for a short while.
Mike/Kayla took the lead on the final lap, and Val was 2nd in her Solo.
The wind for the second race stayed with the beat, but the F15 sailors didn’t seem to appreciate the course.
Ian/Lezli-Ann led and won the F15s, while Paul Bowmer with apprentice crew won the GPs, and Bean won the Handicap race
Latest results – Pursuit
Sunday was another gloriously sunny day, but started ominously when the nearby wind turbines were somewhat inactive! Unexpectedly a light breeze filled in from the NW sufficiently to get racing underway and, although there were some major shifts, the general direction held.
The shifts caused various flat spots and Mike/Kayla were one of the first to suffer as they were caught in one on the first beat. They did pull back, probably much to Neil/Judith’s frustration, took the lead and won, maintaining his pole position in the series with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd. Jim C borrowed Alan’s F15, and sailed with grand-daughter Poppy(?) – perhaps she brought him some luck as he seemed to be sailing faster offwind despite not flying a spinnaker!
Robbie D made one of his rare appearances on the water this season, again sailing with Amber in the RS200, and pulled out a 3 min lead on handicap from Joan/Jack, and Bean. Scumper finished 4th but still leads the series.
Val/Ken won the GPs but Alan/Sue still lead the series.
In the afternoon there was some nervousness about having a round the lake course for the pennant race, but a course was set down to 10. A slow first beat didn’t help the nerves, but the wind steadied, for Mike at least as he seemed to carry his own breeze all the way to the leeward mark, and boats were heading back towards the club after just half an hour. Although the wind eased briefly again, overall the fleet enjoyed a good sail.
It was an afternoon for boat swapping with Joan/Jack trying their hand in Alan’s F15 and quickly learning the intricacies of tying off the spinnaker halyard due to a faulty cleat! Banter Phil sailed with Ethan in the RS200. Mik made a welcome return to the Mirror fleet finishing a creditable 6th on handicap. The winner was Mike/Kayla finishing just 15 secs ahead of Paul/Vicky in a GP.
Kayla’s win gives her a strong lead in Sandra’s Salver ahead of defending crew Sue.
Latest results – Blencathra, Pennant, Sandra’s Salver
Night Jar 7
Again, it was a warm and sunny last Thursday evening with enough wind to keep all boats moving. Race Officer John Crosbie set a line on the beat from A to 0 with the remaining legs being a beam reach to 1, a run to B and a tighter reach to A.
But, the wind swung North! Kath Davis/Glenys Kett got their GP�s kite ready to launch when past the inner mark � but forgot the opposition! Paul & Vicki Bowmer, with much �luff up�ping forced them the wrong side of the pin!
Somewhere down the middle of the line Joan & Jack Hardie were away and starting to pull out a huge lead by the time they reached 1. Paul/Vicki and Tim Knowles/Martin Statter�s FF led the pursuing pack.
There was a fair bit of head scratching on the Bates as the training boats had joined in the race to give trainees experience of starting. The trouble was, once started, some wanted to abandon further training and race to the finish! Pam Bath in her Mirror was one of these and was sailing well above her handicap.
The wind returned to West and held, allowing the faster boats to complete three laps. Then it was back to the Clubhouse for yet another super meal from Sue Watson.
FH Results gave the win to Joan & Jack in their 200. Paul & Vicki were second in the GP and Val Bell third in the Solo. Calculation on a personal handicap basis eventually hailed Pam Bath as the winner with Joan 2nd.
An especially good evening if you were a lady helm or crew!
Mirror Open
A fleet of 10 Mirrors enjoyed sunny conditions with a good wind to boot in a one day open meeting. Past Sailing Sec Roy, sailing with Daisy, was a premature starter but slow to return to the pre-start side, losing almost 3 mins in the process! #shouldknowbetter
Robin Dawson sailed with Amber, well until her lips started to turn blue… Perhaps it was just as well, or was it because, he didn’t take her in the final race because he capsized!
Meanwhile at the front of the fleet, there was to be lots of close racing between three boats – John/Alfie Telford, David/Ed Coady & Andy/Katia Smith. John and Andy each had a win under their belt after two races, and David had a 2nd, giving all three the chance of winning in the final race. All three took the lead, and it seemed that David was going to take the title, but he suddenly dropped back when his spinnaker was caught under the boat. That left John and Andy battling it out with just two legs to go – Andy took the lead and the winners trophy.
Photo (c) Angus Corry
In the club racing, which formed part of a championship weekend series, there was some very close racing between 4 boats in the F15 fleet which resulted in Neil/Ian and Mike/Kayla each sharing a 1st and a 2nd. With Mike winning the 2nd race, he was overnight leader.
The close racing continued throughout Sunday, which started with a light, shifting breeze, but strengthened throughout the morning and afternoon. John/Tim had to return after a premature start but took the right side of the beat and led at the windward mark! There was a regular change of positions throughout the day, especially with the different pockets of wind passing through, but Simon/Jon mastered both races and took two wins, with Mike/Kayla and Neil/Ian each sharing a second. Any one of them could have won the series, and as they all finished with 5 points to count, it was Simon’s win in the last race that won him the Mellor Mug.
In the GPs, Robin/Phil had two clear wins while Alan/Sue and Alastair/Claire continued their battle. Alastair had a strong lead in the morning race until he capsized, and although they righted quickly, Alan sneaked past, held off Alastair till the finish by the closest of margins, and retained the Commodore’s Prize.
Ethan took three wins and the Topper trophy, with Harry 2nd.
In the handicap fleet, Steve/Ruth were in pole position overnight with two 1sts, but were delayed getting to the morning start, so had to rely on the final race to secure the trophy. Although Scumper won both Sunday races, Steve’s 2nd in the final race was enough for him to win the Isel Cup.
Night Jar A6
The latest round of the Night Jar series was held in warm and sunny conditions with a light NE Wind. The superb evening brought out sixteen boats including several from the Club�s own training fleet.
Tim Chittenden running the Bates and Matt Page as OD shortened the course at the forty five minute mark and the GP of Mike Fairlamb crewed by a returning Eric Smith crossed first ahead of Dave & Lynn Lawson. The Fifteens, 400s and Joan & Jack Hardie�s 200 all completed an additional fourth lap.
Tanya Briggs laid on this week�s meal while Elaine Hunt provided a full bar service! Provisional results were delayed while an attempt was made to establish who was helming each boat. When they were issued they showed Mike & Eric were an excellent first overall and Dave & Lynn second in both Fleet and PH categories.
In FH Neil & Judith were third, Graham & Kayla fourth and Joan & Jack fifth. On PH it was Alan & Sue in third. Visitor Ben Whitaker was a superb fourth in a Topper although whether his result will stand in the series must be open to question.