Early Summer blog

Race 1 - Sailing returned to a familiar pattern at Staines on Sunday Bank holiday, a busy Thames gave a strong stream, while a whisper of a southerly wind, required close attention to dinghy positioning and sail settings. A short beat to the first mark meant that those who lost position or momentum at the turn would find themselves drifting into the windless 'black hole' where only luck, patience or a paddle could rescue them, unfortunately for Dennis and Richard they required the later and retired from the race. Phil and Peter with Julia crewing, found themselves on the long run to nowhere, all fighting the stream and taking more than 40 minutes to complete the first lap. With the laser in the lead and the Enterprise keeping it humble it was a close race as the wind picked up to give another two laps on a shortened course. Eventually it was Phil who crossed the line first but Peter won the race courtesy of the Enterprise's better PY rating.

Race 2 - Variable and occasionally gusty North Easterlies placed great demands both technically and physically on the helm and crew. As the wind came and went so the grouping of the boats narrowed and then grew. Kevin and Anne got off to a good start and were able to keep that advantage for most of the race by taking the marks well, making the most on the runs and generally consistent sailing. However, Kevin's lead was lost on occasions on the beat due to some aggressive sailing by Dennis and Jason in Peter Threadgill's Enterprise, while Phil in the Laser Radial made good use of the wind and also threatened the lead. However, the more aggressive strategy led to Dennis and Jason broaching the Enterprise hard in to the bank, narrowly avoiding a capsize.  Phil also avoided getting wet a few times, at one point having to right his boat after going on its side. In the end the shortened course came as some relief to a vigorous days sail with Kevin and Ann taking a well deserved victory.

Race 3 - Not sailed

Race 4 - Not sailed

Race 5 - No racing

Race 6 - Not sailed