Commodore’s Cup 5 – 12th May 2021

With a SE wind of about 10 mph, Newton set a start line just past No 5 with a first beat to A (near 1), then 9, up to C (near the buoy line between the Committee Boat and 5)  then 5 and back through the start.

There were 22 starters, the highest number so far for this series. At the end of the first lap the fleet was pretty well line astern with small gaps between the individual boats. Darren led Mike T, Karen and Mark, all in Lasers with Chris H (Comet) in 5th place and Dave & Ann (Leader) in 6th.  Jess (Laser) was 7th with a small gap back to Rick (Laser) and Mike A (Radial) and they were not far ahead of Sally (Comet) Paul H and Ralph (both in Lasers) and Mike C (Solo) and Jeremy (Laser), the latter two crossing the line together. Next across the line were Dean & Nick (Vago) in 15th place just ahead of Jemima in her new RS Terra Pro (a bit of a mouthful to say, but a very nice looking boat). Emily (4.7) was through in 17th place being chased by the Lasers of Nigel and Nick followed by Aileen (Comet) and Ron (Mirror) and Rich (Comet Duo).

On the second lap there was no change in the first three, but Jess had nipped ahead of Mark to move up to 4th place. Ralph, Mike C and Dean & Nick all gained four places to move up to 8th, 9th and 10th respectively (it’s amazing what a lucky wind shift can do for you!). Further back Jeremy gained a place by passing Sally and Nigel and Aileen both made up two places to 16th and 18th.

By the end of the third lap, Darren had increased his lead on Mike T and Jess was just in front of Karen and moved up to 3rd. Dave & Ann gained two places to move to 5th by passing Mark and Chris H with Ralph abreast of Chris as they crossed the line. Paul H moved up a place to 10th by passing Dean & Nick and Nigel gained two places and Nick one by getting past Jeremy. Jemima and Rich retired at the end of the lap.

No change with the first two on lap four, but Karen repassed Jess to regain 3rd place. Ralph and Mike C moved up to 5th and 7th respectively pushing Mark down to 8th. Aileen had a good lap passing Nick, Nigel and Sally to move to 15th place. The wind was dropping rapidly throughout this lap and Jeremy, Mike A, Aileen, Sally, Nick, Emily, Nigel and Ron all received the gun at the end of the lap.

Rick, Paul H and Dean & Nick were really pleased that they made the cut and were given the opportunity to test out their light wind skills on the fifth lap.

Darren crossed the line before  the fourth lap finishers did, much to their relief! The only change on the last lap was Ralph relieving Jess of her 4th place by just five seconds.

The order on the water was – 1st Darren; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Karen; 4th Ralph; 5th Jess; 6th Dave & Ann ( the only ones not in a Laser)

On corrected time this becomes- 1st Darren; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Chris H; 4th Dave & Ann; 5th Karen; 6th Ron (you did not see that coming – lights and mirrors)

Thanks to SOOD Newton and the team of Sam, Phoebe and Angus.

Spring Series 5 – 9th May 2021

Another windy Sunday morning with a S-SSW wind which was around 15-18 mph. Mike T set a long beat down to 3 then 2, 4, 9, 5, 6, 7 and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

There were 11 starters and at the end of the first lap early starter Ron (Mirror) was still leading from Chris H (Comet), but they were rapidly being caught by Paul R in his Aero 7 followed by a Karen (Radial) and Newton & Sam (RS200).

At the gun the final order was –

1st Paul R; 2nd Karen; 3rd Darren (Laser); 4th Jon (Laser); 5th Newton & Sam (RS200); 6th Chris H

Handicap Race

Everyone stayed on for the second race and first back across the line was Paul R one minute ahead of Darren in 2nd place, closely followed by Newton & Sam and Jon. Karen was 30 seconds further back in 5th place and then there was a slight gap before the Lasers of James and Adrian came through contesting 6th place. Emily (4.7) and Chris H were having a good battle with only one second splitting them across the line with Rick (Laser) about 30 seconds behind them and Ron in his Mirror bringing up the rear of the fleet.

Paul increased his lead on the second lap and Newton & Sam passed Darren to move up to 2nd. Everyone else maintained station apart from Rick, who just pipped Chris across the line to gain a place. Ron received the gun at the end of this lap.

At the end of the third lap Paul took victory with an increased lead of four minutes. There was no change in the position of the next four boats, but Adrian passed James to take 6th spot. Emily sailed a good race maintaining 8th place and behind her Chris regained his 9th place from Rick.

The order on the water was – 1st Paul; 2nd Newton & Sam; 3rd Darren; 4th Jon; 5th Karen; 6th Adrian

On corrected time this becomes – 1st Paul; Equal 2nd Darren and Karen; 4th newton & Sam; 5th Jon; 6th Emily   

Thanks to Mike T and the race team of Ann & Dave, Sally, Nando and Richard S.

Commodore’s Cup Race 4 – 5th May 2021

The forecast was for a 10 mph wind from the West, but when we arrived at RSC there was hardly any wind at all, and it was difficult to set a course and we wondered if there would be enough people interested in going out. Then a gentle breeze started up and dinghies came out and all looked well, but suddenly the wind got up and the rain poured down and conditions were so bad that we considered abandoning the race all together. Everyone wondered if this squall would pass and at around 18.45 it began to ease so the race was on and Mark set a first beat to 5 then 9, 4, 6, 7 and back through the start line.

There were 16 starters and at first there was quite a nice breeze, but unfortunately this dropped away and we were worried that the fleet would not even complete one lap. Eventually they managed it, but everyone received the gun at the end of the lap as the wind was completely dying.

The order on the water was –

1st Darren; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Karen; 4th Ralph; (all in Lasers) 5th Dave & Ann (Leader); 6th Dean & Nick (Vago)

On corrected time this becomes –

1st Darren; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Karen; 4th Aileen; 5th Dave & Ann; 6th Chris H

Well done to Aileen for beating the Comet maestro Chris!

Also well done to all the other competitors for hanging in there despite the rapidly changing conditions, Emily, Hilary, Newton, Nigel, Phoebe, Rick, Sally.

Thanks to SOOD Mark B and the team of Frantz, Angus and Mike A.

May Day Pennant 2nd May 2021

There were three back-to-back races this year and 13 starters. The wind was a bit tricky coming straight from the West and quite light, although during the races it veered from SW to NW and was even coming from the SE at one point! It also varied in strength from 3 mph to about 10 mph.

The start line was set parallel to the shore just clear of the model boat buoys and the first mark was A (near the buoy line about halfway between 5 and 6), then 5, 7, B (halfway between the shore and the start line).

Race 1

Mark (Laser) was first back across the line followed by Ralph, Mike T and Karen all in Lasers. About one minute later Newton & Sam (RS200) came through in 5th place with Chris K (Laser) and Chris H (Comet) not far behind him in 7th and Mike C in his nicely refurbished Solo was 8th.  Emily & Phoebe were out together in a Feva and just ahead of Aileen (Comet) battling for 9th place. Dave & Ann (Leader) and Rick (Laser) were languishing at the back in the light wind with Paul W even further back in his Morbic12 and he received the gun at the end of this lap as most of the fleet were finishing their second lap at the same time.

On the second lap Mark still led but Mike T passed Ralph for 2nd place and there were no other changes in position. Rick received the gun at the end of this lap.

Mark crossed the line to finish 1st, but Newton & Sam had moved up to 2nd with Chris K passing Ralph to take 4th place. Mike C had a good last lap moving up two places to 6th and Dave & Ann also moved up two places to 9th. Aileen won her battle with Emily and Phoebe to finish in 10th place.

The final order on the water was –

1st Mark; 2nd Newton & Sam; 3rd Mike T; 4th Chris K; 5th Ralph; 6th Mike C

On corrected time there were some significant changes –

1st Chris H; 2nd Mark; 3rd Mike C; 4th Newton & Sam; 5th Mike |T; 6th Chris K

Race 2

The course remained the same as did the first lap leader with Mark crossing just ahead of Karen. There was then a gap before Newton & Sam came along in 3rd place not far ahead of Mike T and Dave & Ann who were followed closely by Chris K and Mike C. Ralph and Chris H crossed the line together battling for 8th place and Chris H was striving to catch them. Emily & Phoebe and Aileen were at it again and difficult to split as they crossed the line with Rick much better away this time and closing on them rapidly. Paul W was as usual observing the fleet with interest.

On the second lap there was no change in the first three places, but Dave & Ann were up to 4th and Rick had rocketed up to 5th. Ralph, Chris H and Emily & Phoebe all gained two places to move up to 6th, 7th and 8th respectively. Paul received the gun at the end of the lap.

At the end of the last lap remarkably there was no change in the order of the first seven boats! Chris K had regained three places to finish 8th and Aileen and Mike C both regained one place to take 9th and 11th places.

The order on the water was –

1st Mark; 2nd Karen; 3rd Newton & Sam; 4th Dave & Ann; 5th Rick; 6th Ralph

On corrected time the order becomes-

1st Mark; 2nd Karen; 3rd Chris H; 4th Newton & Sam; 5th Dave & Ann; 6th Rick

Race 3

There was a course change for this third race with the start line more or less the same, but the first mark was now 5 then 8, 9, B and back through the start.

For a change, Newton & Sam were the first back through the line followed by the Lasers of Mile T, Mark and Ralph. Dave & Ann were next through in 5th place just ahead of Rick but the next four were very close together with Chris H leading Mike C, Karen and Chris K. Behind them Aileen and Emily & Phoebe had re-joined battle and were only 10 seconds apart with Paul W cheering from behind.

Like the previous race the leading three remained the same but Karen and Chris K both gained five places to move up to 4th and 5th respectively. Further back Emily & Phoebe had passed Aileen and Rick retired (he had been hoping for more wind so that he could fit this one in, but alas ran out of time as his pass-out was about to expire!) Paul received the gun at the end of the lap.

Newton & Sam took the victory as they crossed the line about one minute ahead of Mike T in 2nd place. Karen just pipped Mark for 3rd place with no change in 5th and 6th positions. The race long battle behind these between Dave & Ann, Chris H and Mike C was won by Chris, but only by 10 seconds as both he and Mike managed to squeeze past Dave & Ann. Behind them Aileen had managed to repass Emily and Phoebe, but again it was a close finish.

The order on the water was –

1st Newton & Sam; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Karen; 4th Mark; 5th Chris K; 6th Ralph, all in Lasers apart from the RS200 at the front.

Unusually they all retained their positions on corrected time. The first time that this has happened for a long time!

All three races counted towards the overall winner, and the recipient of the May Day Pennant with  first, second and fourth place finishes was Mark B (or would have been if Newton had brought the right trophy along!)

Congratulations to Mark.

Thanks to SOOD Mike A and the team of Alistair S, Bill C, Christine H and Sally.

Commodore’s Cup Race 3 – 28th April 2021

The weather tonight was dreadful with heavy rain and a very light wind from the NNE. The race team led by Rick reluctantly agreed that it would have to be a CB start, so there was no hope of them keeping dry! Surprisingly, there were 10 starters, but we managed to keep them out there for four laps, (although they were very short laps). Rick set the start near the buoy line between 4 and 5 and the first beat to A (offshore of the model boat buoys), then up to to 5, 9, B (middle of the lake just NW of Ttektona) and back through the start.

The fleet was closely packed at the end of the first lap with Dean & Nick (Vago) leading from Newton (Solo) and Karen and Ralph in Lasers. Chris (Comet) was through in 5th place followed by Darren and Mark (Lasers) with Sally (Comet) only 30 seconds behind them with Emily (4.7) and Phoebe (Oppie) slightly further back.

The wind kept picking up and then dropping again so there was a fair amount of the elastic band effect, depending on when and where the boats caught the lifts. By the end of the second lap Karen had taken the lead with Newton still in 2nd place with Darren moving up to 3rd and Dean & Nick down to 4th.  Mark was up to 5th shuffling Ralph and Chris down and Sally, Emily and Phoebe maintained station.

No change with the leading two on the third lap, but Dean & Nick regained a place to move up to 3rd. The Lasers behind were swapping places with Ralph back up and Darren and Mark down a place. Chris and Sally were steady in 7th and 8th places (although Sally had closed the gap) and in the light winds were staying in touch of the boats ahead. Emily and Phoebe were not losing ground (or water) either and Phoebe was given the gun at the end of the lap.

The rain was still pouring down and it was not getting any warmer, so leader Karen was given the hooter as she crossed the line at the end of the fourth lap. The only changes in position behind her were Ralph and Mark both gaining a place, making the final order –

1st Karen; 2nd Newton; 3rd Dean & Nick; 4th Ralph; 5th Mark; 6th Darren.

On corrected time this becomes –

1st Newton; 2nd Chris; 3rd Karen; 4th Sally; 5th Phoebe; 6th Dean & Nick

Thanks to SOOD Rick and the team of Aileen, Angus and Mike A, who suffered the cold and wet sitting out in the safety boats (apart from Angus who seems to be impervious to the weather!)

Spring Series 4 – 25th April 2021

It was really windy and gusty this morning with a NNE wind varying between 15 and 20 mph.

James set a first beat to 8 then 5, 9,4, A and back through the start.

Pursuit Race

There were 15 brave starters this morning and at the end of one lap early starter Emily (4.7) was still leading, with Karen (Radial) trying to close the gap. Dave & Ann (Leader) were next across the line but Darren (Laser) and Newton & Sam (RS200) nor far behind them. Richard S and Ralph both decided this was a game for soldiers as did Aileen and all three gracefully retired.

At the gun the final positions were –

1st Darren; 2nd Karen; 3rd Newton & Sam; 4th Emily; 5th Jon (Laser); 6th Dave & Ann.

Handicap Race

The three retirees decided enough was enough and sat the second race out, but Jewels decided to join the fray in her Mirror.

Darren was first back across the line nearly a minute ahead of Jon, who was followed closely by Laser 136028 (does anyone know the name of the helm?). Karen (Radial) was 4th, not far ahead of Newton & Sam (RS200) with Adrian (Laser) about 30 seconds further back in 6th place. Dave & Ann (Leader),Emily (4.7), Jewels (Mirror) and Mike T (Laser) were in a close battle for 7th spot. Next to come through were Ron (Mirror) just ahead of Chris H (Comet) then quite a gap back to Paul W in his Morbic12.

On the second lap the first three were still the same (although 136028 had been disqualified for not going back though the start line). Newton passed Karen to move up to 4th and Mike T got ahead of Jewels with no other movers. Chris H sailed on into the third lap unaware that he had also fallen foul of a start line infringement and Paul W received the gun.

At the end of the third lap Darren and Jon could not be separated as they crossed the line fighting for the lead. 136028 was still in 3rd place but retired at the end of the lap (perhaps word had finally got through of the earlier infringement). The 4th, 5th and 6th were still the same, but Mike T gained two more places to move up to 7th place.

On the fourth lap Jon pulled away from Darren to cross the line two minutes ahead of him and Mike T gained another four places to move up to 3rd.  There were no other changes and Chris H received the gun oblivious of his impending fate! The Mirrors of Jewels and Ron also received the gun at the end of this lap.

On the last lap Darren did close the gap to Jon, but not enough to stop him crossing the line a clear winner. Newton & Sam had rallied to regain 3rd place by repassing Mike T. There were no other changes in position,  but Dave & Ann and Emily did well to complete the full distance not that far behind the faster ranked boats in front of them.

The finishing order on the water was –

1st Jon; 2nd Darren; 3rd Newton & Sam; 4th Mike T; 5th Karen; 6th Adrian

On corrected time this changes to –

1st Jewels; 2nd Jon; 3rd Darren; 4th Karen; 5th Emily ; 6th Ron

Well done to Jewels, a result which completely vindicates her decision to join the race!

Thanks to SOOD James and the team of Bea, Gareth and Peter.

Commodore’s Cup Race 2 – 21st April 2021

The wind was in a tricky direction tonight, NE about 5-10 mph, which forced SOOD Chris H to use a Committee Boat start.

It turned out to be a four lapper and Dave & Nikki (National12) were in the lead across the line at the end of the first lap with Newton (Solo) just 10 seconds behind them. Mike T (Laser) was 3rd with Will (Radial) 4th and Karen (Laser) 5th. Adrian (Rooster) was next through in 6th place just ahead of Dave & Ann (Leader), Ralph (Laser) and Gareth (Laser).  The Lasers of Mark and Darren were next across the line in 10th and 11th places, a change for them to see so many boats in front of them!

In 12th place were Chris & Hilary (Wanderer, but where was our other Wanderer – Mike C where are you, we could have a fleet!).  Rick and Nigel in two more Lasers crossed the line together battling for 13th place and they were about a minute ahead of Sally in her Comet who was only just ahead of fellow Comet helm Aileen (Cum on Aileen). Paul H, our sole remaining Supernova star, was next through a long way ahead of our only gaff rigger Paul W (Morbic12) and finally came the only Oppie out tonight with brave Phoebe at the helm.

Emily (4.7) seemed to have slipped under the radar and was not picked up for the first two laps but reappeared on the third lap!

At the end of the second lap there was no change with the first two, but Karen moved up to 3rd with William still 4th. Ralph gained three places to move up to 5th and Darren gained two to move to 8th.

Nigel moved up one to 13th and Aileen passed Sally to gain 14th place with Paul H also moving up one to 16th spot. Paul W and Phoebe received the gun at the end of the lap.

Dave & Nikki increased their lead on the third lap with no change in the 2nd and 3rd places, but Mike T had got going again to move up to 4th. Darren and Adrian had also got the boosters on, moving up  three and five places respectively to 5th and 6th. Then hurrah, up popped Emily in 7th spot, but bad news for everyone else as they either held or lost places and Sally (who had repassed Aileen), Aileen  and Gareth received the gun.

The last lap saw no change at the front, but Newton lost his 2nd place to Karen and Darren gained another two places to finish 3rd. Ralph had a storming last lap gaining five places to take 4th. Mark and Dave & Ann moved up a place to finish 10th and 11th. Nigel who had a race long battle with Rick manged to beat him across the line but they both gained a place by passing Chris & Hilary.  

The final order on the water was –

1st Dave & Nikki; 2nd Karen; 3rd Darren; 4th Ralph; 5th Newton; 6th Adrian

On corrected time this becomes-

1st Dave & Nikki; 2nd Newton; 3rd William; 4th Karen; 5th Darren; 6th Sally  

Although there may be a Steward’s enquiry as I thought Karen was sailing a Radial, rather than a full rig, but perhaps this is only for the Spring series.

Thanks to SOOD Chris H and the team of Angus, Nick and Rich.

Commodore’s Cup Race 1 – 14th April 2021

There was a light wind tonight and 16 starters for the first of the new evening series.

Mike T (Laser) was first back through the line, followed 10 seconds later by Hugh (Laser), Karen (Radial) and Adrian (Rooster – a Laser with a bigger sail!) only one second ahead of Dean & Nick (Vago) who came through in 5th place. 15 seconds later, Mark (Laser) crossed only just ahead of Rick in another Laser and then there was a gap back to Emily (4.7) and Paul H (Supernova) who came along together in 8th and 9th positions. Nigel (Laser) was 10th, not far ahead of Chris H (Comet), Jeremy (Laser) and Rhys (4.7). Quite a gap then before Phoebe (Oppie) crossed the line and she was four minutes ahead of Paul W (Morbic12) and Gareth (Laser) who may have lost their way.

Mike T still led but, Hugh had a dodgy second lap as Karen, Adrian and Mark all got past him. Rick moved up one place to 6th. Paul gained two places to move up to 7th with Dean & Nick slipping back to 8th with Nigel up to 9th.  Further back Gareth moved up two places to 14th. Paul W received the gun at the end of this lap.

By the end of the third lap Adrian had taken the lead with Karen pushing up to 2nd and Mike T down to 3rd. There was no change in the next three positions, but Dean & Nick regained a place to 7th with no further changes behind them. Phoebe received the finish gun this time round.

Fourth and last lap saw Karen getting past Adrian to cross the line in 1st place. Movers further back were Dean & Nick gaining two places to finish 5th and Jeremy after a race long battle with Nigel just pipping him for 9th place.  

The order on the water was –

1st Karen; 2nd Adrian; 3rd Mike T; 4th Mark; 5th Dean & Nick; 6th Rick

On corrected time this changes to –

1st Karen; 2nd Mike T; 3rd Phoebe; 4th Mark; 5th Chris H; 6th Adrian.

Thanks to SOOD Darren and his team of Chris S, Paul R and Ralph.

Spring Series 3 – 18th April 2021

Mark was SOOD today with the help of Mike A and Sally & Mike N manning the safety boat.

It was a very light wind, which unfortunately kept veering from NNE to NNW.

After several pre-race course changes Mark eventually set a start line on an East-West axis (near to 5) with the first mark as B (towards 6) then 9 and back through the start. Got it?   

Pursuit Race

10 starters this morning and Chris H Comet was well ahead at the end of the first lap with Emily 4.7 in 2nd place, Dave & Ann Leader 3rd, Aileen in another Comet 4th. The first Laser through was Richard S followed by Mike T, Ralph, and Darren, then came Chris and Hilary in their Wanderer with Paul Waterman bringing up the rear in the gaff rigged Morbic12.

At the gun, the Laser of Mike T was well ahead Ralph, but Chris H had hung onto 3rd place with Darren in 4th, Dave & Ann Leader 5th and Richard S 6th.

Handicap Race

Although the wind was light the course was short, so we had a three-lap race (well for about half the fleet!)

At the end of the first lap Mike T was back through the line well clear of Ralph and Richard S in 2nd and 3rd places. Dave & Ann were next in 4th place just ahead of Darren, then there was a gap back to Chris H in 6th and Chris & Hillary in 7th. Next across the line were Aileen and Emily who were enjoying a really close battle and then finally Paul who was having trouble getting his Morbic12 to point (well hardly at all, but the gaff rig looked very picturesque).

On the second lap Mike increased his lead over the two chasing Lasers and Darren and Chris had overtaken Dave & Ann to move up to 4th and 5th respectively, with Chris & Hilary 7th and receiving the gun as they crossed the line. Behind them Emily just pipped Aileen across the line as they also received the finish gun along with Paul.

The third lap saw Mike T cross the line some four minutes ahead of Ralph in 2nd place with Darren gaining another place to finish 3rd with Richard 4th. Chris came across in 5th place with Dave & Ann finishing in 6th place.

On corrected time the order becomes –

1st Mike; 2nd Chris H; 3rd Ralph; 4th Darren; 5th Richard; 6th Dave & Ann

Thanks to Mark, Sally & Mike N and Mike A.

Spring Series 1 &2; 2021

Spring Series 1 – 4th April 2021

It was a light wind for the first race of the 2021 Spring Series. Ron and Jewels had volunteered to run the race and there were 12 starters including Paul Waterman in his Morbic12, a new addition to the racing classes at RSC. The Morbic12 is a traditional clinker built boat with a gaff rigged mainsail and it looked very nice.

Pursuit Race

The light wind favoured the early starters and Aileen in her Comet made a fine start to the Spring Series by taking the victory ahead of Chris H also sailing a Comet. Hugh was the first of the Lasers in 3rd place with Newton &Sam RS 200 in 4th and Dave & Ann in their Leader 5th with Darren in another Laser in 6th place.

Handicap Race

Because of the light wind this turned out to be a one lap race with Lasers taking the first three places on the water.

1st Mark; 2nd Darren; 3rd Hugh; Equal 4th Newton & Sam RS200 and Chris H Comet; 6th Jon Laser.

However,r on corrected time the order becomes –

1st Mark; 2nd Chris H; 3rd Darren; 4th Aileen; 5th Emily 4.7; 6th Hugh.

Thanks to Ron & Jewels, Adrian B, Hilary and Mike C for managing the races.

Spring Series 2 – 11th April 2021

Sam & Newton stepped up to the plate today, ably assisted by Ann & Dave L.

There were even more startersthis week with 18 boats taking to the water.  

Pursuit Race

Karen Radial managed to stay ahead of the full rig Lasers to take 1st place at the gun, as did Chris H Comet to take 2nd place.  Then the next four places were all Lasers with Mark leading Jon, Mike T and Ralph.

Handicap Race

With a bit more wind and a shortish coursethis turned out to be a six lapper and a Laser benefit.

The order on the water was –

1st Mike T; 2nd Darren; 3rd Mark all in full rig Lasers; 4th Karen Radial; 5th Jon and 6th James in two more Lasers.

On corrected time the 4.7s of Emily and Rhys get into the act with the final positions as-

1st Mike T; 2nd Karen; 3rd Darren; 4th Emily; 5th Mark; 6th Rhys

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