Somewhat down on the usual numbers owing to many helms either competing or helping at the IOM worlds, 10 hardy souls still turned out on what was a cold and grey Sunday. Sailing was to be on the east bank but owing to the wind direction the beat was to be in two parts with a dog leg in it, this was then followed by a run before beating back to the finishing line, these short races allowed the race officer to get in thirteen races. With the first race of the day going the way of Mark Nicoll in his Alioth the bulk of the wins went the way of Rob Wilson and Mick Chamberlain, the only others to take a win were Sam Parker, Paul Kelly and Richard Jutsom with Richard only failing to take a second win in race six being passed in the dying stages of the race. The way to the front on the day was to make a good start, with most wins coming from a good start in clear air and rounding the windward mark first. Jeff Clarke in his (new to him) Venti also appeared to be getting to grips with it, improving race by race until coffee time after five races when he snapped the underdeck sheeting, putting him out for action for the rest of the day. Another victim of the dreaded string failure was Ron Austen, when his jib tie-down failed before the start of race eleven, putting an end to his day. The racing was good natured all day with penalties being taken when required and start line duties being done by everyone based on the order you signed on. Also, many thanks must go to Ron Austen who stepped up again to do assistant race officer duties, and to everyone else who helped pack up at the end of the days racing.

Sam (Race Officer)