The weather on this first day of a five race weekend series was delightful with virtually unbroken sunshine and a medium strength westerly wind. This was a definite improvement on NJ10 two days previously when a southerly F8 had prevented any racing and ended with a banana shaped mast on John’s Solo when he launched to test the conditions.
Saturday wasn’t a capsize day – except for Dave Pearson who suffered five when getting to grips with his pristine Laser. There were four starters in the FF Class. Their action started with Simon / Jon being OCS but fighting their way back to beat Neil / Rory in a close finish.
In the GPs Val & Ken came ashore after the first race to pack away for a domestic appointment. They had already worked out that, with three races on Sunday, they could still get a result to count for the, now restricted,overall championship! James & Jenny bemoaned that,although they were second they were a significant way behind Dave & Lynn, to which they were told “What’s new?”!
In the Handicap Fleet there was close racing between Robbie & John in their Solos, the latter in a borrowed boat. Poppy was dismayed that she had to start with the main Handicap Fleet. Having coerced someone to take out an Oppy, he didn’t make the line and she was started with the rest of the handicap boats
Sunday’s conditions were similar to Saturday. It was still warm but somewhat more overcast. The westerly wind was generally forgiving although there were some sudden squalls that Challenged helms. The final races in the five race championship series were held with the first pair being back to back.
The turnout for a round in the Club Championship was somewhat mediocre with a total of sixteen starters which reduced to twelve by the final round. The regulars, including championship contenders were mostly on the water but the usual throng were missing. Maybe the Euros on TV? But it not being a camping weekend didn’t help.
In the FFs it was good to see Keith out and especially with Eric crewing. They were up against Ian & Lezli Ann but managed a couple of seconds in the four boat fleet. In the GPs Dave & Lynn took the wins from Val & Ken. In Race 4 the latter pair had gained the lead on the run but were unable to hold it on the subsequent legs. AJ & Sue were in contention until their kicker broke during the final race and they had no option but to retire.
The main Handicap Fleet seemed to have consistent results with Robbie ahead of Alex in their Solos. Mike’s Streaker was holding third on the water until a capsize restricted his progress and brought Paul in his Laser with multi-coloured sail into contention. In the Slow Handicap Fleet Mik’s Mirror got the better of Poppy’s Topper although they were only some six seconds apart at the finish of the day’s second race.
There was some drama after the final race when Matthew took the helm of his father’s 100. After several impressive legs he capsized and took a while to right it. Mark was in the Feva at that point and did a simultaneous inversion! Whether it was on purpose or not we shall never know?
Congratulations go to Matthew who won the RS Tera Open at Coniston on Saturday, and to Cameron for coming 5th in a very competitive fleet of 15 boats.