Gillette Series 6 – 14th July 2021
A hot sunny night with a NNW wind of 8-10 mph gave Ron some initial problems in setting the course, along with varied comments on not what to do! He settled on a Tektona start with a first leg up to A on the buoy line then 4, 2, 5,8, 6, 1 (not often used) and back through the start.
It was a good turnout with 23 boats taking to the water, but only 19 definitely racing and others following the fleet. These included Alex & Matt in a 470, James in a new RS300, Angus in a Mirror (who may have started racing and then decided to just enjoy the water and sail his own course) and Paul W (Morbic 12) who may have actually been racing but always sails his own course anyway!
With a light wind and a long course and the Wednesday evening threat of the dying wind, it was a two lap affair.
First back across the line were the Lasers of Darren, Karen, Mark and Mike T (sounds like a 60s pop group – well I might be the only one to know that!), followed by Emily & Newton in the RS200 and they were all in the same order crossing the line at the finish. Ralph (Laser) came through in 6th place ahead of Rick in another Laser followed by the motley crew of Chris H (Comet), Mike A (Lightning). and Mike C (Solo). These were followed by another three Lasers led by Jamie, then Jeremy and Richard H. Then along came the Jones boys in the Vago (who said they needed less weight in the light wind – presumably referring to the boat not to their sylph like persons!). Yet another pair of Lasers appeared next, manned by Nigel and Chris A, followed by the fair Aileen and two more Lasers with Paul H and Nick H helming (which goes to prove the best part of any sandwich is the filling!)
On the second lap, the movers were Chris H passing Rick and Ralph to move up to 6th and Jamie passing Mikes A and C to move up to 9th place. Richard H retired, so as a result of this and passing Dean & Nick, Nigel gained two places. Further back Nick H and Paul H both passed Aileen, but there were only two seconds in it as they crossed the line.
The order on the water was – 1st Darren, 2nd Karen; 3rd Mark; 4th Mike T; 5th Emily & Newton; 6th Chris H.
On corrected time Chris H moves up to 2nd place pushing everyone else down one place.
Thanks to SOOD Ron and the race team of Sam, Ian S, Ann & Dave and young Jack.
Ron brought Jack along to check out the Mirror his family now owns and help him rig it.
They didn’t get a chance to sail before the racing, but Jack helped Ron with the race management and did a great job as Tektona did not have any ropes to hoist the flags, so Jack volunteered to stand on top of the cabin and hold them up by hand!!! It must have been quite tiring holding the Club Pennant aloft for 5 minutes!
After the racing Ron took him out for a sunset sail and encouraged him to helm for the first time rounding buoys 6 and 7 and back to the jetty successfully. Ron thinks Jack enjoyed himself and had a great night. Good for you Ron!