Saturday had plenty of sunshine, but the wind was bitter when a cloud passed through.
There had been little wind during the morning training, but it filled in a little from the SE before the afternoon race, though most sailors were caught out when the OD set a course and started the sequence despite a wind shadow in the start area. The wind had backed substantially to the east when it filled in shortly after the boat that had launched early started the race.
Gayle’s first start in her Solo didn’t go to plan – capsizing on the start line (and wishing she had repaired her drysuit a bit earlier!).
The line was moved for the next race as the wind had backed further to the NE. The start line was busier this time, and there were two boats OCS, though only one returned to restart.
Heading to mark 3 in a NE wind is typically challenging, and today was no different, especially as on the second lap the wind eased for 10 mins, so, with the wind filling from the right hand side, there were places to be gained.
After two races, AJ/Sue lead the GP fleet from James/Jenny, with Nigel/Glenys 3rd
In the handicap fleet the new partnership of Mike and Jack in a Graduate secured a 1st and 4th, placing them 2nd behind Robbie D in a Solo who had a 2nd and 1st.
Matty won in his Tera from brother Cameron in the first race to lead the series.
On Sunday the sun was being much more evasive, and despite the wind swinging regularly (as ever), brought the best wind of the season needing sailors to hike out, though there were no capsizes.
The morning race was the start of another long series, and after lunch there was a pennant race in aid of The Eric Twiname Trust in which female crews’ results count towards Sandra’s Salver.
Angus/Mike had a good first beat in their F15, but could not maintain their lead over Neil/Rory also in a F15, while AJ/Sue proved that spinnakers aren’t very effective in the water, and had some chasing to do to get past Nigel/Glenys. However, it was Matt/Oliver in their Laser 2000 that mastered the conditions to win the pennant, with Joe in his Laser 2nd.
Saskia leads the series for Sandra’s Salver, with Sue 2nd
Eric Twiname Trust pennant results
Many congratulations go to Ant and Penny Woodyer who have just celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss!