Radio Sailing Report - February
Published 10:34 on 3 Mar 2024
Well, what a brilliant turnout during February considering how the weather has been in the deepest of winter. We have some very brave sailors amongst us who face all that the weather can chuck at them.
Good news, as the Coffee shop is now open every day except Tuesday.
There was a cracking good turnout with 10 boats on the water for the first week of February. Poor Ian's receiver decided to take a swim (luckily when he got it home, he made a good job of drying it out), and as usual in everyone's excitement, certain objects get left behind at the club. (reminds me of school days when kids pick up the wrong coat). Regarding the results for the week, Mike R (we can't sabotage his boat) came first, Mike D and Steve T came a close second and third. Ken N, Ian C and David B followed with fourth, fifth and six, and to tell you the truth I don't think anyone else wants us to know. Well done everyone, I think you are all very brave.
On the following Sunday the gang helped replace the chains on the dinghy buoys and replace them back into the lake. Many thanks to all that helped. Maurice (our commodore) also thanked us for our help. A job well done.
The sailing on the 14th February, not very romantic but really interesting as it was half term. It was great seeing some of the grandchildren down to have a go with the grandad's boat. They are always so welcome. Again, we had 10 regular sailors on the lake and Bill popped down to see us. It's super to now have a club DF95 which really helped when John needed a boat for the day. Mike R was top of the class, but was chased very closely by Steve T. The rest of the team were very close with Ian C third, Me (Dennis) fourth, Ken N fifth, George W 6th and David B seventh. Of course we can mostly rely on Richard to be acting shepherd, herding all the boats in front of him. Super results.
The following Sunday saw the DF95 TT races at Blithfield reservoir and some of our brave men took part. There were 43 boats there on the day and I think we we all agreed that we did very well considering all the top sailors were sailing. The wind ranged from 5 to 9 knots from the East. Towards lunchtime the wind intensified to a steady 9 gusting 21 knots. A few spectators went from our group and gave really good support. Really well done to Steve, Mike D, Mike R and myself for taking part. I attach photos of the day. (Well I was going to, but I cannot get the photos off the site who sent them out. Alan J, have you got photos of our team's boats which I can send out please).
I couldn't attend the racing on the 21st but have a super report from Ian C who wrote "A week of two halves, 7 boats on the water and Kevin as race officer some of the time. The morning was strong gusts from the South West and all boats opted for B rigs, apart from David (only has A rig) and John, C rig. David struggles with A rig and John lost out with C rig. 1sts going to Mike and Steve Thomas with me sneaking one in just. The afternoon started blustery, but after race 7 dropped to flat calm /light winds. Mike of course showed his mastery even staying on B rig, David came to the front on A rig with 3 3rds and a 1st while others struggled with flat calm and B rig. A good days sailing and 11 races sailed." The final results showed that although Mike came in first, the rest of the team were certainly giving him a run for his money.
We have another super report from Ian Conway for this last week of sailing. He put "Another fun filled day at the races. Wind from the South bit of East in it and middle to top of A rig in strength. The rescue boat was prepared and the engine just running when Dennis arrived and suggested the winter buoys be brought in and weights and chains changed to summer sailing (buoys not left out). So all buoys collected (MUDDY) and brought ashore, all chains and weights changed and off we go to launch them. All done, racing to start, but the downwind mark has gone missing, drifting up towards the North of the lake (we didn't think Alan would be able to see that far so we launch another buoy closer in and collect the wayward mark). Racing started slightly delayd, 9 boats on the water starts very competitive, lots of boats getting to the line at the same time (Very noisy), and lots of fun at the marks (also noisy). But the upshot of all this was really a competition between Mike and Steve sharing 1sts and 2nds 10 races and Mike 3 and Steve T 6 1sts. Nice to see Richard back and being individual, crossing the start line on port tack (extra noisy start). A good days sailing and great to see everyone enjoying it." Many thanks Ian for the super reports.
The final results for the month saw Mike R and Steve T having the same amount of points but with Mike just pipping Steve to first. (Steve T is after the Tankard, Jane will be pleased). Ian C was third with Ken chased him for fourth position. George came in fifth with Dave sixth followed closely behind by myself. Many, many thanks for Steve whom I can rely on giving out all the results.
Dennis & Anita.
A few photos from Blithfield
