Report by: Jackie Poulter

The wind was very light coming from south/south west and at times the lake looked glassy, but fortunately the first race was able to start on time. 1016 was first over the line followed closely by 1025 1004 and 528. The first leg to the windward mark saw 1025, 1023, and 1016 battling to get to the mark first, 1023 making it. The downwind leg saw 528 joining the group as they jostled for position coming to the leeward 'gate'. 1016 and 528 chose the port mark to round with a tack and 1023 and 1025 chose to gibe around the starboard mark. 1025 and 528 gained water and got to the windward mark ahead of 1016 in third place and 1023 now in fourth position. The breeze stayed constant throughout the first race although making the choice of course had a big impact. On the third lap 1016 and 1025 opted for tacking at the port mark taking the lead from 528 and 536 who chose to gibe around the starboard mark. The final result over the line was 1016 first, 526 second, 1025 third, 1023, fourth, 1004 fifth, 536 sixth, 1018 seventh and 521 in eighth place.

Then it was time for lunch. Penny Casewell and Sue Barber laid on a hearty lunch for sailors and helpers before the final races back to back in the afternoon.

The afternoon started with big black clouds and threatening showers, the wind had swung around to a north easterly, but still very light. The second race started, 1016 away to a flying start, 536 full starting and having to duck the line before she could get going. 1016 was closely followed by 528 and 1018. 1025 and 1004 were not far behind, following them was 1023 and 521. Positions had not changed as the boats got to the windward mark. 1016 gets away but the rest of the fleet battle changing places, looking for the best course in the very light fluky wind. Finally 528 and 1018 get away finishing second and third. The rest of the places as follows 1004 4th, 1023 5th, 1025th, 536 7th, and 521 in 8th place.

The third race started with lighter wind having shifted round to the north and the course shortened because of the lack of wind, but on a the bright side the clouds had lifted a the sun was trying to break through again. 1025 started on a port tack and took an early lead. 1023 got off to an excellent start but sailed straight into a dull spot and the rest of the fleet quickly caught up. 1016 seemed to have his own private wind and yet again pulled into the lead. A battle between 1004, 1023, 1025 developed as they sailed downwind to leeward mark with 1025 not allowing water and sailing the others high. 1025 went for the port marker while 1004 and 1023 went to the starboard marker instead.

The final places were 1016 1st, 528 2nd, 1025 3rd, 1023 4th, 1004 5th, 1018 6th, 536 7th and 521 retired early.

The day finished with the presentations and some delicious home baked cakes for the competitors and officials. The Paul Robson did an excellent job of race officer, making the best of the difficult conditions and was ably assisted by Tony Tymms, and Chris Nash. The commodore Mike Arnott was responsible for safety cover and was able to sit back and enjoy watching the races. We were all pleased that competitor 536 was able to get away in good time, looking fab for her party.

To see the many photos we took follow this link.

Full results here.