Monday was very windy, WSW 5-6 and gusts but 6 boats braved the weather conditions to do the first race. The main halyard came down on Peter Jenkin’s in 26 Aurora but he managed to come back to the ramp to sort the halyard and then went out again to do the race. For the 2nd race, there were only 4 boats and we shortened the course at Ballast Hole – Woody came to “help” Clem and myself in the Bridge and was very excited about pushing the horn for finishers – shame he did it at the wrong moment! David Nichols in 204 Troll won both races with Malcolm Green in 23 Nida coming in 2nd both times.
On Tuesday the wind was less and steadier so 12 boats went out for the first race. Last year’s champions, Steve & Mark Jarred were on good form and won by a large margin. 6 boats competed in the 2nd race with a big battle between David Nichols in 204 Troll & the Jarred brothers in Pan 007 with David being victorious.
There was no wind at first on Wednesday and although predicted to be SSW F 2, we postponed the start until the sea breeze came in – ESE course set but was shorten at Ballast Hole. Marcus & Gill in 15 Djinn were ahead but the Jarred brothers just kept coming to pip them on the line by a boat length.
The crews race happened next – the most chaotic start of the week with 5 boats over the line, only 2 of whom returned. Tommy Mills in 204 was first across the finish line, followed by Ben Phipps in 33 and then Gill Callander in 15 – the trophy was awarded to Gill as she is not a regular helm and has only been sailing for a few years – a popular decision!
On Thursday the wind was WSW 4-5 with 10 boats out – Chris & Kathryn Nichols in13 Ariel came in 4th . The single handed race was scheduled as the 2nd race but there were no takers surprisingly.
So it was all to play for on Friday – 15 boats were on the start line pushing hard so we had a general recall. Fun for Clem & myself on the Bridge as we then had to put back the start of the Friday Sailors race, as they were starting through the line the other way. So into a new start sequence but a dredger pushed by a barge went through the line just as the fleet started – tricky moment for some! Both races provided close competition with Steve & Mark being triumphant both times.
A fun week of racing with some great memories! Lovely to see the Terry clan on the water some of the time, John & Pat limited due to new knees. Lulla did 3 races in 29 Mustard Seed with Chris Mills as crew as well as Bevis & Tessa Wright in Juno with the distinctive blue sails! Good to see Martin Scarth out in 33 for 7 races, as well as Ian Barbrook in 14 Banshee crewed by new member Simon Lockwood. Chris Briggs had a change of crew mid week with Martin Jordan stepping in. The perseverance award should go to Peter & Rose Chittenden in 62 Puck who did 7 races, wisely using a smaller sail on the windy days!
A hilarious prize giving was conducted by Marcus, Class Captain with results given by myself! The Heron Cup had gone missing after our Trophy supper last year but I finally found it on Friday morning lurking in my house – my penalty was to polish it before prize giving!
Results:
1st: 204 Troll – David Nichols & Tommy Mills
2nd 23 Nida - Malcolm Green & Stephanie
3rd 007 Pan – Steve & Mark Jarred
Sheena Berney, Commodore
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