Gillette 5 17th May
Well after a long dry spell, the monsoon season had arrived ! It had been raining all day and continued to do so through the evening. There was no SOOD so Carol M, Clare D and Ann D volunteered to run the race with a little help from some of the racers, especially those who did not fancy venturing out in a light wind and steady rain ! The wind was roughly NW about 7 mph, although it varied in strength and direction and the course was 6p, 9s, 5s and Orange p (just out and to the left of the smaller slip). The OOD Team decided to use the mast on the decking as one end of the start line, which was a wise decision in the unremitting downpour as at least they had some shelter.
In the light wind the race was a one lap affair and there were only six starters. Karen (Laser) led at the first mark followed by Mike A (Lightning) and Newton (Solo). Slightly further back were Nick & Dean (Vago) ahead of Jeremy T (Laser) and Jemima (Oppie). By the second mark Mike was just ahead of Newton with Karen further back, but Nick and Dean were gaining fast. Newton passed Mike on the way down to the Orange buoy and crossed the line in first place.
Final positions on the water were –
1st Newton; 2nd Mike A 3rd Nick & Dean; 4th Karen.
Jeremy would have been 5th and Jemima 6th, but the wind died away and Jemima was rescued by brother Edward who was out in a canoe (probably the fastest craft on the water!) Jeremy appeared to make the finish line, but was listed as a DNF, so perhaps he gave up hope of ever actually crossing the line !
On handicap Mike will probably just pip Newton, but the other positions should remain unchanged.
Thanks to the OOD Team of Ann, Clare and Carol and to those who provided assistance.