Easter Sunday massacre, always going to be short on numbers, as many Easter eggs lay uneaten, but hey 11 skippers turned out on a foggy morning to take part in the first in our Summer series, The fog quickly cleared, and Mick Coop and Sam P ably assisted by Pete W and Darin B sorted a course out on the South bank, wind was not the best direction but we got going, Before all that, we are looking at a new boat that one of our members had brought along , have to say at first glance it was in immaculate condition, and a credit to its owner, It was Pikanto , Ok we already had a Pikanto in the club ( hope the spelling is right) that was also very nice.

As you can see by the score sheet the club has some great designs, and with a decent top suit breeze,, not a lot of notice was taken in the first few races, but young Darin B was not just knocking on the door, Tim H won the first two races and Pete W got the third, The fourth was won by Darin B , with a few minor adjustment to rig and tune between races , we then had a coffee break, we also moved to the East bank, which was decided to be best of the two evils ( we were later to move back to the South and extend racing by half an hour due to the disruption.) all agreed !! Well after coffee, a lesson in racing, and tactics for those who had the time to look was surely on the table as Darin went on to win the following 4 races without reply, now it would be unfair not to mention the other 10 skippers up and down the fleet who all tried their very best to get the best from their boats, one skipper was trying a total new rig , and also the last few races were all sailed in bright sunshine and just about perfect conditions

Many thanks to all who got there early, ready to give help where it may be required and also get the course and bits and pieces ready for racing.

But hands up Darin B is arguably the clubs best radio skipper ,( he practices a lot,) and he is off to the Worlds in a couple of weeks in Italy with the RM class, I am sure we all from the club wish him our very best, and will be watching his progress .

So well done for the win, it was emphatic, can we learn something, ( only if we turn up maybe ) Oh just wanted to say the Pikanto was designed in 2008 , yes that’s right 15 years ago, and so just goes to prove in the right hands you can do very well , and of course club skippers do not have to spend a fortune to have some great racing, and know they have a great boat.

Apologies if I have rambled on, it is Easter Monday