It was already hot when sailors started to arrive this week, the clear sun in a blue sky and temperature approaching 30C, but at least there was a light, middle of top suit breeze blowing down the lake from the clubhouse. After the marks were moved around a little, sailing for the 7 particpants got underway soon after 1pm under the watchful eye of Dave Williams as RO.
Race 1 belonged to Alan Bennett (Viper) who started well and had a good lead at the first mark and was never challenged throughout, leaving the rest to a close fight for the other positions. Peter Baldwin (Britpop!) then managed to take the next 4 race wins, before Alan took the win in Race 6 and a short break for a drink and snack. Martin Roberts (Vanilla) must have been well refreshed as he took Races 7, 10 and 11 after the break, with Peter picking up three more in Races 8, 9 and 12. The top part of the fleet was always very close though with gains (and losses) to be made right up to the finish, in the shifty and patchy wind.
The breeze held as an ESE up until Race 10, when it became more light and patchy with some movement Northerly and be across the lake. By the start of Race 11, the breeze had switched to be WNW (probably a late sea breeze) and that race ended up as a running start and a windward gate as the course was totally inverted. For the final race the course was switched round and the first leg was once again a beat.
Peter took the day with his 7 wins, with Martin second and Alan close behind in third. Thanks once again to Dave for getting the 12 races in at a steady pace and Jack for manning the galley and keeping us refreshed – a very important role on such a hot day.
- Peter Baldwin Britpop! 63 14pts
- Martin Roberts Vanilla 22 21pts
- Alan Bennett Viper 33 22pts
- John Berry Viper 12 32pts
- Charles Legg K2 25 52pts
- Ken Jones Pitprop 71 60pts
- Alan Watkinson Britpop! 23 66pts
Next week it is back to the DF and RG65 for Saturday racing.
