Author: jollysailor

 It was a pleasant evening with a South wind of about 10 mph and SOOD Sally set the first beat to A (just past Tektona’s old mooring), then B (down towards No 1), 5, C (middle of the lake and back through the start line.

Lap 1

Karen/Laser was first back across the line followed closely by Newton & Sam/RS200 and they stayed close together in these positions for the whole of the five laps of the race. Ed/Aero 5 came through in 3^rd place some 30 seconds ahead of Jamie H/Laser. Steve & Rick/RS200 crossed in 5^th place not far ahead of Emily/Radial and Roland/Solo who crossed the line together in the battle for 6^th place. Next along came Dave & Ann/Leader not far ahead of close bunch led by Chris H/Comet then  Mike A/Lightning, Mike T/Comet, Alessandro/Aero 7 and Aileen/Comet. Then there was a trio of Lasers, Nigel, Alistair and Jeremy battling for 14^th place with Paul H/Supernova just 20 seconds further back. At the back of the fleet there was another trio, but Mirrors this time, with Ron slightly ahead of Russell and Andrew (great to see the Mirror racing fleet increasing) with Chris M and crew Anthony & Puja in the Sport 14 caught up in the Mirror battle.

Lap 2

Dave & Ann had a good lap moving up five places to 3^rd with Ed, Emily and Roland enjoying a good tussle behind them. Nigel also gained five places moving up to 9^th passing Aileen, Alessandro and Mikes T and A. There were no other changes behind this group.

Lap 3

Emily was the prime mover on this lap, advancing three places to 3^rd. The other movers (in the right direction) were Nigel, Alistair, Jeremy and Paul H all gaining two places to move to 7^th, 11^th,14^th and 15th respectively. Basically this bunch had caught up with the boats ahead of them and started making a nuisance of themselves! Andrew/Mirror retired at the end of this lap.

Lap 4

Dave & Ann passed Emily to regain 3^rd spot. Ed and Jamie H were steady in 5^th and 6^th places and Roland had moved up one place to 7^th by passing Steve & Rick who actually crossed the line abreast with Nigel. Chris H crossed the line in 10^th place followed by Mike A who had gained two places by retaking Alessandro and Alistair.

(Alistair might have something to say about tacking in front of him!) Jeremy also gained two places passing Alessandro and Paul H. At the end of this lap Jeremy, Alessandro, Alistair, Paul H, Aileen, Mike T, Ron, Chris M & Puja & Anthony and Russell all received the hooter.

Lap 5

Karen and Newton & Sam crossed in 1^st and 2nd places and Emily had repassed Dave & Ann to take 3^rd. No change with 5^th and 6^th but Steve & Rick had won the battle with Nigel and Roland to cross in 7^th place. Alessandro, Alistair and Jeremy all gained a place relegating Mike A to the lanterne rouge!  

The final order on the water was – 1^st Karen; 2^nd Newton & Sam; 3^rd Emily; 4^th Dave & Ann; 6^th Jamie H; 7^th Steve & Rick; 8^th Nigel

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Karen/Laser; 2^nd Emily/Radial; 3^rd Chris H/Comet; 4^th Newton & Sam/RS200; 5^th Dave & Ann/Leader; 6^th Ed/Aero 5; 7^th Roland/Solo; 8^th Jamie H/Laser

Thanks to SOOD Sally Newlove and the race team of Carol Meunier, Chris Smith, Hadey Lines, Janos Ratkai, Monica Beer and Thomas Mearns.

It was blowing a hoolie this morning, SSW 18 mph with gusts well into the 20s!

SOOD James P set a course of A, B, 2, 4, 9, 5, C, 6 and back through the start, which sounds interesting but cannot tell you the location of  A, B and C.

Pursuit Race

There were 15 brave starters and at the end of a lap the early starter young William S/Topper was still leading from Hadey/4.7 (good to see Hadey racing again after a long break due to injury – thought she might have chosen a calmer day to make a comeback!). Chris K/Laser was 3^rd with Chris H/Comet 4^th and Paul R/Aero in 5^th. The old strong wind maestro Jon/Laser crossed in 6^th place and Aileen/Comet was hanging in there in 7^th ahead of Richard S/Laser and Mike T/Comet.

However, this does not tell the whole story as there were numerous capsizes and the list of retirees contained some illustrious names, Adrian/Rooster (pushing his luck with that big sail!)Darren/Laser,  Dave L/Radial (wondering what he was doing out there), Karen/Laser, Newton/Solo, Steve S/Blaze.

Newton’s rudder blade snapped clean into two pieces just below the tiller attachment and he found himself sailing down the rowing strip on the wrong side of the buoy line, only to meet Steve and his Blaze who were tethered to the buoys! Steve had capsized close to the buoy line and in righting the boat dipped one of his wings under the line and eventually had to be dragged out backwards!

While this drama was being played out the remainder of the fleet was battling on and at the 35 minute gun the final order was –

1^st Hadey; 2^nd Jon; 3^rd Paul R; 4^th Chris H; 5^th Chris K; 6^th Richard S; 7^th William S; 8^th Aileen; 9^th Mike T.

Great result for Hadey in her comeback race and well done to young William for battling on..

Handicap Race

James tweaked the course for the second race to A, B, C, 4, 9, 6, 5 and not surprisingly after the carnage of the first race, the fleet was down to 7 starters.

Paul/Aero was first back across the line followed 30 seconds later by Steve S/Blaze (who despite his first race mishap was up for another go at the elements!). Jon/Laser crossed in 3^rd just four seconds behind Steve with Chris K/Laser a minute behind them with the Comets of Chris H, Mike T and Aileen battling for 5^th place.

Lap 2

The first three were holding their positions but Chris K retired letting the Comets of Chris H, Mike T and Aileen up to 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.

Lap 3

At the end of this lap Jon came through 10 seconds ahead of Paul with Steve still in 3^rd place. Further back Mike had got past Chris H to move up to 4^th and Aileen retired.

Lap 4

Paul regained the lead by repassing Jon and Steve also managed to pass him to cross in 2^nd place with Mike T and Chris H retaining their positions to finish 4^th and 5^th.

On corrected time the only change in the order is Jon taking 2^nd place from Steve.

1st Paul/Aero; 2^nd Jon/Laser; 3^rd Steve/Blaze; 4^th Mike T/Comet; 5^th Chris H/Comet.

Well done to everyone who sailed whether they finished or not.

Thanks to SOOD James Primrose and the race team of Doug Hughes, Mustafa Nimet, Nathan Osney, Nigel Lacey and Sally Newlove.

With an ENE wind varying from 8-12 mph, SOOD Rick set a course of D (near No 1), 4, A (middle of lake), C (between 3 and 4 on the buoy line) and back through the start.

There was a good turnout of 20 and first back across the line was Darren/Laser followed 30 seconds later by Mark/Laser. Newton & Sam/RS200 were through in 3^rd place with Dave & Ann/Leader in 4^th just ahead of Roland in his Solo. Not far behind them were Karen and Ralph in Lasers followed by Alessandro & Matt/470. Then there was a gap of two minutes before Paul H/Laser crossed in 9^th place and he was about one minute ahead of Nigel/Radial in 10^th. Mike T and Aileen in Comets crossed the line together battling for 11^th place with Emily/Radial close behind them.

A minute later Mike Todd/Laser (good to see you back on the water Mike) and Sally/Comet were split by only three seconds. Then came the scrap at the back of he fleet with Ron/Mirror leading Cecilia/Radial (good to see you on the water as well), Rich/Comet Duo, Russell/Mirror (another welcome addition to the Mirror racing fleet!) followed by yet another Mirror  Sail No 3518 (but no name on the Declaration Sheet).

We’ll soon have more Mirrors than the Palace of Versailles!

Lap 2

Same first two, but Karen and Ralph were up to 3^rd and 4^th and Emily gained five places to move to 8^th. Mike T/Comet was up two to 9^th and further back Rich gained a place by passing Cecilia. Mirror 3518 received the gun at the end of the lap.

Lap 3

Darren still led but Karen was now up to 2^nd place pushing Mark down to 3^rd. No change with 4^th to 9^th positions but Alessandro & Matt had regained two places to move to 10^th. Nigel and Paul H continued their battle.

Lap 4 (and last)

No change in the first five positions but Newton & Sam passed Dave & Ann to take 6^th place and Aileen gained a place by passing Paul.

The order on the water was 1^st Darren; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Mark; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Roland; 6^th Newton & Sam.

On corrected time the first five retain their positions but Dave & Ann take 6^th place away from Newton & Sam.

Thanks to SOOD Rick and the race team of Angus Nairn, Claire Davies, Hadey Lines and Steve Sharp.

First, apologies to the Race Team of last Sunday as I omitted to thank you for your efforts in running the race. So many thanks to SOOD Richard Stanley and the team of Aileen Moore, Alessandro Michea, Bill Coulter, Hadey Lines, Ian Hall and Matt Baxter. We cannot run the races without the OOD Volunteers, so thank you again.

So back to today and with a NE wind about 8-12 mph, I guess SOOD Ron had a challenging task of setting a course with the wind in this direction. Posterity will never know as it was not recorded on the race sheet and as I was in Scotland the wind there would bear little resemblance to Berkshire!

Pursuit Race

There were 17 starters this morning and it was good to see some old faces returning, Mike Newlove out with Sally in his Leader, John Windass in his Laser. Also welcome to Chris Wharmby, in another Leader, joining the racing fleet for the first time.

At the end of the first lap there was an odd mix of boats leading the race, but the whole fleet was pretty close together. Earlier starting Newton/Solo was in front with later starting Karen/Laser behind him, then Chris W/Leader was going well in 3^rd place being chased by last man away Paul R in his Aero. Then it was Chris K/Laser, Mike & Sally/Leader, Darren and Jamie/Lasers, Dave & Ann/Leader!

Aileen was the only Comet out today and erstwhile Comet sailor Mike T was out in an Enterprise with hid old 470 buddy Alessandro. It is only a matter of time before Mike T makes his debut in an Oppie!

At the gun the order was – 1^st Newton; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Paul; 4^th Chris W; 5^th Richard S; 6^th Chris K  

Handicap Race

The wind had increased and become gustier for this second race.

First back across the line was Darren/Laser followed closely by Steve/Blaze. Then there was a long gap before Newton/Solo came through in 3^rd place and not far behind him was Adrian in his big sail Laser/Rooster. Karen and Jon were next through the line in Lasers and there was another long gap before the Lasers of Jamie and Richard S crossed fairly close together battling for 7^th place. Then along came the battle of the Leaders with Mike & Sally ahead of Chris W and Dave & Ann with Aileen reluctantly getting involved! Bringing up the rear of the fleet were John W/Laser, Nigel/Radial and Mike T & Alessandro/Enterprise. Paul R and Chris K retired on this first lap.

Lap 2

Steve took the lead from Darren and Adrian took 3^rd place from Newton. The order of the leaders remained the same, but John W and Nigel both moved up two places to 11^th and 12th.

Lap 3  

Steve retained his lead on the water to cross the line in 1^st place with Darren still second and Adrian 3^rd. Karen passed Newton to cross in 4^th place and Richard S gained two places to move to 6^th. Jamie was steady in 7^th place and John W gained another two places to cross in 9^th place. Mike T & Alessandro avoided the lanterne rouge by catching and passing Aileen.

The order on the water was – 1^st Steve; 2^nd Darren; 3^rd Adrian; 4^th Karen; 5^th Newton; 6^th Richard S

On corrected time this changes to – 1^st Darren/Laser; 2^nd Newton/Solo; 3^rd Karen/Laser; 4^th Steve/Blaze; 5^th Jamie/Laser; 6^th Mike & Sally/Leader

Thanks to SOOD Ron Vass and the race team of Andy Steele, Jewels Vass, Mike Caton and Russell Harrison.

As for last week another WSW wind, but not quite as strong at about 11 mph. SOOD Mark set a course of A, 9, 5, 7 and back through the start.

There were 14 starters and welcome to Nathan in his GP14.  First back across the line was Karen/Laser well ahead of Rick & Steve/RS200, who were pleased to be leading the other RS200 of Newton & Hattie! In between these in 3^rd place was Mike T out in a Comet again! Roland/Solo was in 5^th just ahead of Darren/Laser and Dave & Ann/Leader. Alessandro/Aero 9 was next along then Nigel, Jeremy and Paul H all in Lasers ahead of Sally/Comet, Nathan/GP14 and Chris & Carol/420.  

Lap 2

No change in the first two, but Darren was up to 3^rd place. Other movers up the board were Alessandro, Nigel and Paul H all up one place to 7^th, 8^th and 11th respectively.   

Lap 3

Karen still led and Newton & Hattie gained three places to cross the line in 2^nd place. Rick & Steve were down to 3^rd with Roland pipping Darren across the line by just one second in the battle for 4^th place. Mike T after dropping six places on the previous lap regained three of those to cross in 6^th place. Further down the fleet Paul H gained another place by getting past Jeremy and Chris & Carol passed Nathan. Paul, Jeremy, Sally, Chris & Carol and Nathan were all finished at the end of this lap.

Lap 4 (and last)

Karen had cleared away at the front and crossed the line five minutes ahead of Rick & Steve who had regained 2^nd place from Newton & Hattie in the RS200 battle (we will never hear the last of this!). Darren repipped (if there is such a thing!) Roland to cross in 4^th place and Dave & Ann repassed Mike T and Nigel.

The order on the water was – 1^st Karen; 2^nd Rick & Steve; 3^rd Newton & Hattie; 4^th Darren; 5^th Roland; 6^th Dave & Ann

On corrected time this changes to – 1^st Karen/Laser; 2^nd Mike T/Comet; 3^rd Roland/Solo; 4^th Rick & Steve/RS200; 5^th Dave & Ann/Leader; 6^th Newton & Hattie/RS200  

Five different boats in the first six!

Thanks to SOOD Mark and the race team of Angus, Clare, John, Steve and Rhys.

SOOD Richard S was presented with a WNW wind of about 10 mph and set a course of A, 9, 4, 3, B, 6, 7 and back through the start. There were 20 starters and it was good to see another Mirror joining the racing in the hands of Russell (welcome to the fleet Russell).

Pursuit Race

As is often the case, Ron/Mirror was still leading at the end of the first lap followed by Chris H/Comet, Roland/Solo and Newton/Solo. Then the first two Lasers, Chris K and Karen crossed the line having overtaken the Solo of Mike C, who was being threatened by Paul R/Aero 7.

At the 35 minute gun the final positions were 1^st Chris H; 2^nd Chris K; 3^rd Ron; 4^th Paul R; 5^th Karen; 6^th Newton

Handicap Race

Everyone stayed on for the second race and first back across the line was Paul R/Aero 7 already over a minute ahead of Newton and Roland in Solos. The Laser pair of Karen and Ralph crossed the line very close together battling for 4^th position and they were 20 seconds ahead of a battle for 6^th place between Adrian/Rooster and Chris K and James P in Lasers. Next to cross the line was Mike T in the leading Comet! (will he be abandoning the Laser fleet to join the Comets?, he has already had a dalliance with the 470). Jamie and Mark in two more Lasers crossed in 10^th and 11^th place with Chris H/Comet close behind them. 30 seconds later Mike C/Solo crossed the line just in front of Rick/Laser. Then there was a slight gap back to Dave & Ann/Leader and Nigel/Radial who crossed the line together. Another gap and Hattie/Laser and Sally/Comet came along with the two Mirrors of Ron and Russell behind them.

Lap 2

Paul crossed the line in 1^st place and promptly capsized, but it was still a minute before Karen crossed in 2^nd place! Newton and Ralph could not be split as they came through and neither c to move up to 9^th place. ould Roland and Chris K battling for 5^th spot. Mark B gained two places getting past Jamie and Mike T. Chris H also passed Jamie to move up one place as did Nigel by passing Dave & Ann, who were also passed by Hattie. Sally retired on this lap and Russell received the hooter..

Lap  

No change with the two leaders, but Ralph had consolidated 3^rd place by just drawing away from Newton. The highest mover was Mark gaining four places to cross in 6^th place. James moved up to 7^th by passing Adrian and Chris H was up to 10^th passing Jamie. Further back Mike C passed Rick and Dave & Ann recovered lost ground beating Hattie and Nigel across the line. Ron received the lanterne rouge!

The final order on the water was – 1^st Paul; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Ralph; 4^th Newton; 5^th Chris K; 6^th Roland

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Chris H (up from 10^th); 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Newton; 4^th Paul; 5^th Mike T (up from 13^th); 6^th Roland.     

Never write off the Comets until the numbers are crunched!!

This gives Chris H a double/double repeating his wins in the first two races of the Summer Series of last year.

There was quite a frisky wind this evening blowing 14 -18 mph from the WSW with some stronger gusts.

There were 13 starters, but two retired on the fist lap and first back across the line was James C/RS300 about one minute ahead of Ed/Aero 5, Dermott/Laser, Paul R/Aero 7 and Ralph/Laser. About one minute later Karen/Laser crossed in 6^th place with a gap back to Paul H/Supernova, Chris H/Comet and Aileen/Comet. Dave & Ann/Leader were about 30 seconds behind them and then there was a large gap before Jamie/Laser crossed the line.

Lap 2

No change in the first two, but Paul R had gained a place to move up to 3^rd and Chris H moved up one place to 7^th. Dave & Ann and Jamie also gained a place by passing Aileen.

Lap 3

James C retired from the lead, not sure if it was wind or weed! This moved Ed up to 1^st place and Dermott up to 2^nd after he passed Paul. Ralph was holding on to 4^th place and Karen to 5^th. Paul H retired and Dave & Ann and Jamie moved up to 6^th and 7^th places pushing the Comets of Chris H and Aileen down to 8^th and 9^th.

Lap 4

The only change in position on this lap was Jamie getting past Dave & Ann to move up to 6^th place.

Lap 5

Dermott and Paul R both passed Ed to move up to 1^st and 2^nd positions, but these were the only movers on this penultimate lap. Jamie, Dave & Ann, Chris H and Aileen all received the hooter.

Lap 6

Only five left and they maintained station to finish as – 1^st Dermott; 2^nd Paul R; 3^rd Ed; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Karen

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Ed; 2^nd Dermott; 3^rd Paul; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Karen; then one lap down 6^th Chris H; 7^th Jamie; 8^th Aileen; 9^th Dave & Ann.

Thanks to SOOD Mike Trussler and the race team of Angus Nairn, Hattie Seymour, Jess Bertram and Thomas Mearns.

There was a light 6 mph wind from the NNE and just 11 starters this morning. Adrian Frost was SOOD with only Richard Moore and Issy Jenkins on the duty roster. Not sure if anyone helped out as this Jolly Sailor was getting very jolly at a Jubilee Street Party!

Pursuit Race

At the end of the first lap Newton/Solo was leading from Richard S/Laser and Nigel/Laser who had both done well to catch and pass most of the earlier starters. Steve in his Blaze was up to 4^th spot  with Chris H/Comet 5^th and Rick & Lottie/RS200 6^th.

At the 35 minute gun the finishing order was – 1^st Newton; 2^nd Richard S; 3^rd Nigel; 4^th Steve; 5^th Rick & Lottie; 6^th Chris H; 7^th Alessandro & Mike T/470; 8^th Aileen/Comet.

Handicap Race

Frances who sailed well in her Topper in the Pursuit Race decided to give this one a miss. Chris H/Comet was first back across the line just ahead of Newton/Solo and Steve/Blaze. Alessandro & Mike T/470 were through in 4^th place about 20 seconds ahead of Aileen/Comet. Richard S/Laser, Rick & Lottie/RS200 and Nigel/Laser crossed the line in a close group battling for 6^th place. Next along was William/Topper with Adrian/Avon Scow and they were followed by Becky in a Pico.

Lap 2

The front of the fleet had split into two groups of three with Chris H, Newton and Steve in the first trio and Alessandro & Mike T, Aileen and Richards S in the second trio.  Rick & Lottie had retired leaving Nigel in a somewhat lonely 7^th place. Adrian had managed to get past William at the back of the fleet. Becky received the hooter at then end of her second lap.

Lap 3

No change in the first four, but Richard had passed Aileen to move up to 5^th place. William and Adrian were finished at the end of this lap.

Lap 4

Chris H retained his lead to finish in 1^st place, but Steve had passed Newton to take 2^nd and Richard had passed Alessandro & Mike T to nick 4^th place.

The final order on the water was – 1^st Chris H; 2^nd Steve; 3^rd Newton; 4^th Richard S; 5^th Alessandro & Mike T; 6^th Aileen; 7^th Nigel.

On corrected time this changes to – 1^st Chris H; 2^nd Aileen (the Comets are at it again!), 3^rd Newton; 4^th Richard S; 5^th Steve; 6^th Nigel; 7^th Alessandro & Mike T; 8^th Adrian

Thanks to SOOD Adrian Frost and the race team of Issy Jenkins and Richard Moore.

There were no other names on the race sheet so I assume that they manged on their own!

A warm sunny day, but there was a notable absence of sailors and race team crew. Perhaps this was not surprising as many would have been involved in Jubilee celebrations

Adrian Blakey stepped up to run the race with the assistance of Paul Waterman, not sure if anyone else helped them out.

It was single four lap race with four competitors and first back through the start line were Newton & Sam/RS200 followed by Dave & Ann/Leader just ahead of Chris H in his Comet and Adrian F sailing his Vago single handed,

On the second lap Chris managed to pass Dave & Ann and these positions were maintained for the remaining laps.

The finishing order was – 1^st Newton & Sam; 2^nd Chris H; 3^rd Dave & Ann; 4^th Adrian.

On corrected time Chris H moves into 1^st place pushing Newton & Sam to 2^nd with Dave & Ann and Adrian still 3^rd and 4^th.

Thanks to Adrian Blakey and Paul Waterman and anyone else who may have helped out.

Another cup for Chris H, he must be spending a small fortune on silver polish!

With a nice sunny evening and a light NNW wind Newton set a course of A (near 5), 5, 9, 4, B (near 2) and back through the start.

There were 12 starters and first back through the start line was James C/RS300 not far ahead of Chris K/Laser. Mike T/Laser came along 30 seconds later followed by Chris H/Comet, Steve & Rick/RS200 and Ralph/Laser. Then there was a slight gap before Emily/Radial crossed in 7^th place just in front of the Comets of Aileen and Sally. Some three minutes passed before Chris & Carol/420, Rich/Comet Duo and Phoebe/Topper (nice to see you back on the water Phoebe) crossed the line.

Lap 2

James C was still leading but struggling to drop Chris K and there were no changes in position on this lap. Sally, Chris & Carol, Rich and Phoebe all received the finish hooter at the end of the lap.

Lap 3

At the line Chris K snatched victory on the water from James C who was having trouble with the pesky weed! The only other change was Steve & Rick who pipped Chris H on the line.

The order on the water was – 1^st Chris K; 2^nd James C; 3^rd Mike T; 4^th Steve & Rick; 5^th Chris H; 6^th Ralph

On corrected time this becomes – 1^st Chris K; 2^nd Chris H; 3^rd Aileen; 4^th Mike T; 5^th Emily; 6^th James C.

Thanks to SOOD Newton Anthony and the race team of Hadey Lines, John Harrison, Nigel Lacey and Paul Waterman.

This was actually the last race of the series and the overall winner was Chris Hilson in his Comet, just pipping James C in his RS300.

Congratulations to Chris on collecting yet another cup!