Today it was back to the “same old” south to south easter that we have had all this year, apart from last week.  And with it comes the same old problems.  Irregular winds.  Dead spots. Swapping tacks from the one you are on without doing anything.  In between, some hairy sailing – really on the edge stuff.

Today’s forecast was pretty spot on, but there was no rain.

For the period we were sailing the wind was pretty much dead south – maybe moving a bit each side; with winds from 0 to around 10 knots, but gusting up to 22 knots… all good stuff to keep us on our toes.

Because of the nature of the breeze, a few different locations were tried on the eastern side of the pontoon; and it was decided to push the course out as far as we could without too many screams of not seeing the buoys.  Because it was a higher tide, the course was also pushed further around towards the point to try and eliminate the scrambled wind closer in.  Once set, the course stood the test all afternoon. It was still not without its challenges.  It is a bit daunting charging for the first mark in a group of boats, then suddenly all sailing on the opposite tack; and flicking back again just as quickly.

So, we had 12 sailors who were determined to beat the conditions.  We all tried C sails to start with, but probably some of the smarter sailors re-rigged with D sails; and crossed their fingers that no lulls came through into their patch of water.

We didn’t have too many rescues, although it was interesting to see 2 or 3 boats dis-masted during the afternoon.

In spite of the conditions, we all stayed close to the starting line between the races; so we completed 10 races – well done everyone.

Brendan Hones kicked off his return with a good win in Race 1, then Graham Brown, Martin Thearle and Noel McPherson shared the top spot.

Race winners were Noel McPherson 4, Graham Brown 3, Martin Thearle 2 and Brendan Hones 1.

Noel McPherson took the honours for the day to win 1st place on 13 points.

Graham Brown finished in 2nd place on 15 points.

Martin Thearle finished in 3rd place with 28 points.

The Club Championship now has Graham Brown in front from Noel McPherson and Robin Tickner.

Our next Sail day is Thursday 27th February for a Scratch Event.

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