This weekend saw a busy time for sailors on Bassenthwaite Lake. Saturday saw the continuation of the Max Joule Memorial Trophy, a long series of eight races that is nearing its climax. The blustery winds led to exciting racing for all concerned. The first race proved very eventful, the Commodore, Miles Middleton who was leading, lost his crew overboard. Good job Mike Cowan could swim! Miles eventually finished 5th in that race. Hugh Godfrey and Rhonwen Bryce won the race in a GP14. They bravely flew the spinnaker where others didn’t dare for the blustery conditions. Andy Smith on a Laser won the 2nd race – even without the battens in his sail.
After a communal barbecue on Saturday evening a test was set to determine the appropriateness of musical chairs. The continuing competitiveness and enthusiasm of the Commodore to win even off the water left some of those taking part feeling rather sore the following morning! – perhaps the new guidelines were prepared after some similar events elsewhere. This was all followed by some mysterious late night scooter riding which left Andy Smith resting for the rest of the weekend due to his scooter accident.
Sunday and Monday saw Club Championship sailing. The conditions both days ensured very thrilling racing. The Flying Fifteen fleet were competing for the Ullock Mug. Scott Beattie and John Somerville were the clear winners, with William Carruthers and Alan Smith 2nd. The GP14 fleet were competing for the Macmillan cup. There was some thrilling racing in all five races and a close result. Julian and Jane Cruickshank were 1st, with Hugh Godfrey and Rhonwen Bryce 2nd. A notable GP14 finisher on Saturday was Richard Hodgkins who at 12 is the youngest GP14 helm this year. Unfortunately an untimely capsize lead him to retire from the rest of the races. It also meant that his crew for the day Mike Cowan went swimming again. Don’t worry Mike, Mike Fairlamb will be back soon. The Lasers were competing for the Easter Trophy. Mark Somerville was the clear winner, with Robin Dawson 2nd.