Report from DF 95 Sunday 29th. from Richard Jutsum .

The last race of 2024 closed with an excellent morning of sun, sailing and seasonal greetings. I arrived early to find Colin was desperate to get onto Santa’s good list for next year as he had arrived early and most of the Prep was done.  Shortly after our very own Santa arrived disguised as Pete, no reindeer they were resting.  He jumped in the boat and set a course down the east bank with a steady breeze although a little shifty at times. A rig was the order of the day. By 0915 a course was set and our numbers had grown enough to run a pantomime.  This year it was Snow White (played by Jen) and the 7 dwarfs some of us not so little.

Sailing started early, I decided to let everyone get a good start and do a couple of turns for hitting the start bouy and then Kev as he tacked off the bank.  The first race was noted by Snow White being taken out by Dwarf Bashy played by Kevin who was caught out by a gust driving his boat on to Jens locking them together.  Snow White was rescued by Prince Charming played by Martyn who waded in when the boats hit the north bank.  

The next couple of races were very close with the lead changing constantly as well as close racing.  Penalty turns were done without prompting and the banter was good especially between Snow White and Prince Charming who had several races only separated by an apple on the finish line.  Coffee and a nice mince pie provided by dwarf Dave set us up for a further six races.  Santa obviously want to sleep as he kept leading the way although Martyn and Snowman Sam kept him honest although rumour has it Pete was illegally using Fairy dust on his boat.

At the end of the morning we all went away singing Hi Ho Hi Ho but Pete was singing the loudest (Not in tune though). I was hoping for rain as Santa brought me a nice coat and in the end the sun just shined.

This is the end of my first full year sailing and thank you to everyone at the Club, race officer is so easy when we all work together.  The Wednesday Club should all have been on the good list along with Mick for the best news letters. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year with wind in your sails.

Series results so far are up or will be in a mo .