BLOG for a very lousy day in paradise!..2/5/10
Wind guru was correct, the wind was very light from the south with steady rain, then at start time it swung to NE still light and still rain, the temperature also dropped to 6 degrees. The result was that 4 solos only made the first start. As usual competition was keen right from the start, Peter 4904 obstructing Les 4382 on the line and doing his penalty, the light shifty wind was used well up the beat to the first mark where again Peter committed a misdemeanor this time with Graham 4868, his turns allowed Graham and Don 4185 to reach the next mark in first and second. Les pulled up downwind to pass Don but Graham held his lead. Up the windward leg pass the club Graham worked the shore to pull out a good lead, on the next 2 downwind legs the fleet closed to make an exciting race to the finish. Graham held on to take the honours from Don, Les and Peter all close behind. Much encouragement was needed to get all to do the second race but again it was close and all had their moments, Les led to the first mark to be briefly out positioned on the leeward turn by Don, however Les held a long port tack to advantage and just took first place from Don with Peter and Graham close up.
Firstly congratulations to Graham who recorded his first win in the solos and to Les who, subject to confirmation, looks like he has won the ea
Summer series starts next Sunday let us hope for some summer weather and consequent bigger turnouts.
One last plug, next Saturday 8th, RADIO CONTROLLED YACHT racing for young and old, father and son( grandson), all welcome, my idea so if you can, come and join in (boys toys!)….Don
BLOG 18/4/10
The first really warm day, but no wind. Some 15 solos arrived and 12 decided to take to the water. The start line was on the other side of the reservoir which took half the morning to get to. The “wind” was from the north, or rather the rumour was that it was from that direction, the fleet slowly very slowly drifted to the first mark to join the earlier starters in an inevitable log jam. Nick 4388 escaped first but Ken 4562, who arrived second, left last despite his protestations!
The next mark was missed by Nick, who had missed the change made by the race committee, this enabled Gil 4609 to take the lead with Martin 4853 coming from the back to take second, Peter 4904 held third up to the line where he was passed by Ken to snatch a good recovering third place. The course was short and only 2 laps, but it took the rest of the morning. It was good to see some of our new members, Graham Streeter 4868, Andy Wickham 3582 and Adrian Howse who sailed 3363.
Let us hope for a little more wind for the OPEN next Saturday, but not too much!
On arrival next Saturday we register and then partake of a bacon bap and a cup of tea/coffee, briefing at 10.15 hrs. Participation is the object to demonstrate the strength of the solo fleet at Bewl, to the club and to visitors. Look forward to seeing all who can make it.
Don
BLOG…12/04/10
It returned, that is the cold NE with its associated erratic gusts. With the forecast of force 4 to 5, 6 solos started. However the wind increased to gusts of 6 forcing Don, Mike and John to retire after 1 lap. The 3 left where Nick 4388 who led from the first mark to the finish, behind him Les 4382 narrowly retained second ahead of Dave 4631 until the last gybe mark. Here there occurred a mysterious incident between Les and an optimist, resulting in Dave avoiding the mayhem to take second place. The truth about what happened is shrouded in vague accounts, Les survived but the optimist has not been found and Dave saw nothing!
The second race was closely contested between all three with Les leading to finish first, Nick capsized at the gybe mark and Dave again taking second. In the conditions the 3 where all rewarded with equal points for the day with 4 each.
Next Sunday, I am sure I do not need to remind you, is the last before the Open on the 24th where I hope we can have a record turnout. All is organised and good weather being prayed for. You will probably notice that we have the event prominently advertised on the club home web page. Also the racing info. has been re organised to make it more user friendly.
Some have asked about the club chandlery store, it seems there is doubt about its future, when more is known we will advise via the website. In the meantime it is shut!
Don.
EASTER BLOG 4/4/10
Perhaps it always was going to be a week end where turn out would be poor. The weather was cool, cloudy and sometimes wet, but the wind a perfect ¾ NW.
The solo fleet was 4, including Dave the club professional on his day off in the fleets 3363 ( cunningly sporting sail no. 4185), he did very well helping to make a close race but valiantly retired at each race end not to record any points for 4185!!!
The first race started with Les 4382 taking an early lead for the first lap, very closely followed by Rob 3799 and Dave in 3363, Mike missed the start and had to start late which was impossible to recover from. Some position changes then followed, Les taking first place at the finish with Rob in 2nd and Mike 4484 third.
All started well on the second race with Rob reaching the windward mark first , whereupon he decided to sail on to windward! Les took advantage to lead for a lap, with Dave in second, however Rob caught both to record a win with Les 2nd, Mike had to retire. The numbers racing would have been more as 3 were on race duty and Martin went down with a “bug”( hopefully recovers for next week).
A short memo for 3363, why is the boom so low? We must secure the boom horizontally to the mast. Adrian is borrowing it next w/e, anyone with ideas and time to do some corrections. ( It did go well!)
Whilst on the committee boat there was time for 4 “wise men” to discuss the Clubs malaise. Lots of interesting comparisons with other clubs in the area and what needs changing. Mainly a change of emphasis and impetus, I think we are going in the right direction and by example perhaps lead the way?
The solos had a stand at the new members evening with Martin and Don in attendance, it was not very lively but we were there.
One annual topic that some have raised again, not just solos, is could there be Wednesday evening racing? It has been tried before but did not last! However I believe it could work, how to start it is easy, how to organise continuity is not so easy. Any ideas would be welcome, there are support boats and an OOD, but there are no race officers ( initially only one needed?).
Latest on Open. Bacon bap and cuppa (free) on registration, as requested by Ken.
Next Sunday a warm spring day, see you there.
Don