Yet another day dawned with very strong winds, but with sunshine promised for later in the day. Would any intrepid Pinkies take to the water? Fortified with a scrummy breakfast cooked and served by Paul and Barbara, 9 well reefed boats took to the water – even Mark and Steve went for a smaller sails, but not Alice of course she went out with a full radial rig! The course Ken set was short and within sight of the clubhouse to make sure the wimps among us would be entertained!! There were lots of thrills and spills and plenty of work for our wonderful power boat crews – thank you Jan, Paul, Ken and David, with Brian ‘standing by’ on shore in case a third boat was needed…..everyone who dared take to the water, had a great sail, some very short…others very wet….but the cup went to Katie in her colourful radial Laser…she hadn’t sailed since last October….well done Katie!! ….with Alice a close 2nd…she just sailed her socks off and loved every minute, having had a dry capsize within minutes of leaving the shore…what a star! Special thanks to all those who lent a hand with starting, finishing the race and helping everyone get safely ashore again.
After a lunch break, some drying off and warming up, helped by lots of hot chocolate…….the dinghy park was busy again with the Pirates preparing for some fun. Gary and Carole had had a better ‘offer’ for the afternoon – hope the polo match was good!?? – so Monica took over, the way she does, and organised the youngsters into well reefed Toppers and Picos, assisted by Ken and all the Mums and Dads. Instructions were very strict, we had to sail in the area in front of the clubhouse and had to come off the water if the whistle went. Daddy Steve took out young Teddy and even younger Tane. There were even more thrills and spills, with an Opi being towed out of the trees……several shivering youngsters brought in for hot showers and more hot chocolate. Kate in Richards kayak, keeping an eye on her little one…..But the 10 boats were off the water by 1600 hrs and the exhausted power boat crews could take a much earned break – special thanks to Ken, Simon, Brian, David,Paul and Jan who stayed the whole day so that Pirates could happen!! Another exciting day at the club…and yes the sun came out and we all warmed up!!
