Birkenhead Radio Sailing & Power Club
A small band of sailors arrive in drizzle and with no sign of any wind, so adjourned briefly to tea/coffee and some of Mrs Watkinson’s exceedingly nice mince pies.
Then, on cue the breeze filled in from the North West allowing 10 closely fought races to be sailed.
A reminder that annual subscriptions are due.
At the AGM the members decided to leave fees unchanged for the coming year although the MYA has increased it’s affiliation fee from £10 to £14
The full schedule of club fees/locker fees is available on the fees page of the website.
MYA fees must be received by 1st January, so if you wish to enter any MYA affiliated events it is essential that your payment is received immediately.
After driving through floods and arriving in torrential rain, the Marblehead skippers probably didn’t hold out any great hopes for the day ahead, but as the first race started, the sky cleared and the wind filled in straight down the lake ensuring a terrific day of close racing.
Early front runner was Martin Roberts with various boats having their moments, but by lunchtime Darin Ballington and Colin Walton from Manor Park, and Graham Elliott from the home club had also established themselves at the top end of the leader board.
After lunch Darin started to claw back Martin’s early lead and after 13 races it was all square.
The final race was to be a shoot out to determine the overall winner and with that, the fleet hit the start line as one, bang on the hooter, with Martin tucked under Darin’s lee bow .
With both the light and wind fading Martin used all his local experience to grind out the win to take the event overall.
Next year the club is intending to hold open Marblehead racing at West Kirby so keep an eye on our website for dates. All welcome.
14 races sailed
The lake is now confirmed as ice free, so all is looking good for the Marblehead Open Event this Saturday with sunny intervals and light showers forecast for the day with a moderate North Westerly wind (ie. straight down the lake, our favoured direction).
The following entries are confirmed, but anyone is welcome to turn up and pay on the day.
Graham Elliott
Martin Roberts
Colin Walton
Darin Ballington
Derek Priestley
Alan Watkinson
Dave Potter
Bill Culshaw
Peter Baldwin
Roger Lincoln
As of Tuesday lunchtime, the lake is frozen over.
The forecast over the next few days is for considerably warmer weather, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that the lake will be clear for Wednesday sailing.
Watch this space for any updates.
Update:
Wednesday 9am there is still ice on the lake and will be no racing today.
Thursday – lake is now ICE FREE
The Marblehead “Santa Dash” Open Meeting takes place on 16th December this year.
Briefing will be at 10.15am, first race at 10.30am and no race will start after 4pm (or darkness whichever arrives first)
Tea and coffee will be available at the club, but bring your own food for lunch.
Please enter in advance if possible by sending an email to Graham Elliott at elliottyachts@hotmail.co.uk
As usual, spread the word to anyone you think might be interested in attending.
