Colin Toll fronted the session as Assistant OD and made sure that all the equipment was out and ready with help from all the other early skippers. An awkward predominantly WSW wind was blowing and gusting to the top end of the A rigs which everyone elected to use. A few buoys were moved to accommodate the wind direction.

Racing commenced with Martyn getting home first followed by Jen and Alan, who sailed well to score his best race of the day. A spreader mark was introduced along with a change to the start line and another race was run in a reducing wind speed with significant wind shifts. Martyn and Jen came home in first and second positions again with Colin Toll taking third spot.

The changeable wind was spoiling the upwind leg, so a rethink of the course was required. This resulted in a Z configuration course with 2 beats to keep sailing close to the shore….. and other legs that could become beats in the regular wind shifts! This course generally worked well until a wind change dictated a course change for the last race.

Colin Helliwell put in a stunning performance to win race 7, jostling for the lead and not giving it up despite serious challenges. Kevin Evison put in a similar performance in the final race 10 on the revised course, achieving an early clear lead and holding on to it. Mike Williams was also near the front in several races and achieved a string of second places.

The tricky wind changes and some weed issues played their part in positional changes during the racing, but after 10 completed races, Martyn won the day with 8 points , Jen came second with 21 and Colin third with 27.

It was a very enjoyable day for a rather select number of skippers (where are you all!) and thanks go to everyone for helping to perform a very efficient tidy-up at the end.

Martyn Aspinall

9^th June 2024