Sailing Update

Wednesday Night

A long race in light winds gave the 23 boats a mid-week challenge. As the start went a gentle breeze pushed the boats along towards the first mark. A useful lift allowed Chris & Stella to get round first, closely followed George, now sailing a full rig Laser, giving them clear air for the next leg and the rest of the race.

Rob & Ben in the RS200 were being pressured by Simon in his Laser, and despite the wind dropping that still gambled with the spinnaker hoping for that extra gust to break clear and find chase after the leaders.

Felix had a great first lap, challenging for water at the mark, and taking 3 positions in one short leg (this was helped by Steve sailing to the wrong mark and forcing 2 boats with him).

As the race ended Chris & Stella took first place with George not too far behind, leaving the rest of the fleet to pick up rest of the places.

Sunday

Great conditions allowed a huge turnout for Sunday morning training, and there was even an opportunity for some spinnaker training as well. It was really good to see so many people taking part and enjoying the water, learning and challenging themselves.

With 13 boats in the triangle race it was certainly going to be busy. The short course, perfect for the ability, gave the ODs a challenge keeping track of positions as they whizzed round. Stella and Eva battled each other around the course and despite lapping other boats managed to get a 5 minute lead over third place. Eva took line honours, but Stella was close enough to catch her on handicap. Dan was third over the line, but was caught by the Hartleys on handicap and so had to settle for a place further down the field.

The wind kept blowing for the afternoon sailing, changing direction frequently to add to the fun. With a south-westerly breeze the ODs set a good course with 2 long beats, runs and a long reach to really test the fleet.

Boats at either end of the start line found themselves in different wind patterns which, from the very first leg, split the fleet in two. Tom got around the first mark cleanly and tried to get away, but the rest of the fleet was not letting him have it all his own way. Simon and Chris & Stella were never far behind. As the race ended Tom had pulled out a lead and easily took the win both over the line and on handicap.

The second race started in similar conditions, but this time Tom was in the wrong place on the start and could on watch as the boats sailed over and past him up the first leg. It was now the turn of Matt to lead the fleet and to hold that lead for the whole of the first lap.

Despite some great sailing by Matt, Tom managed to out manoeuvre Matt on the beat and sneak into the lead. It wasn’t plain sailing for Matt as he had Chris & Stella and his own daughter looking to snatch his position.

When race concluded, Matt had held on to second place, behind Tom, over the line, but was knocked into 3^rd by Abi who was just behind him.

A horrendous penultimate leg for Simon saw him loose two places on the water, but with some aggressive sailing (no doubt compensated by a beer later), he managed not to lose a third.

Ladies What Launch – 27/7 3pm

Next week, 27^th July, we will have another Ladies what Launch Session from 3pm. Rig your boats and lets have some fun, and don’t forget cake and fizz to follow. (Rigged and ready for 3pm!)

Laser Radial for sale

Allyson is selling her Laser Radial if anyone would like to get in contact.

“Flossy” Laser Radial, Sail number 37653, XD kicker, dagger board & bag, launching trolley & cover

This is a good starter boat that has been in the club for many years that may suit a beginner looking to improve their skills. Cost £500.

(Photos available)

Italian Evening – 31^st August

You are invited to join your friends for an evening of Aperol and Italian style. You’ll want to look your best, so bring out your most fashionable Italian designer clothes and dress to impress.

We’re planning an Italian buffet and we would like you to help out by making a dish. If you have a speciality that you want to share let me know.

New Website

Finally, and after a lot of work, we have now got a new website. It would be great if you can take a look and, politely please, point out any errors or omissions that are there.

The site has a members are where, once registered, you can see results, Dutyman, and classified ads. In time we will look to add a forum where we can discuss club and sailing matters. To register click on the members tab and follow the link to register.

Please search for the website as this will help raise the profile within search engines.

What’s happening…

The club relies on volunteers to give up their personal time and help the success of the club. Whilst we as members need to ensure we contribute, we must always respect those officers who do run our races and keep us safe each week.

Week Beginning 22/7/19

24/7 – 7.15pm Wednesday Racing – G5 – T Hunter (OD), F Lui (AOD), P Jennings (S)

– 8pm Wednesday Evening Bar

27/7 – 2pm – 4pm Level 1 & 2

– 3pm Ladies what Launch

– 4.30pm Saturday Afternoon Bar

28/7 – Sunday Training – Juniors & Improvers – Reaching

– 12:00 Sunday Racing – SUT3/B3/B4 P Dixey (OD), M Seaton (S)

– 2pm – Silver Fleet Race

– 4.30pm Sunday Afternoon Bar

Week Beginning 29/7/19

31/7 – 7.15pm Wednesday Racing – G5 – R Jubb (OD), P French (AOD), A Ewing (S)

– 8pm Wednesday Evening Bar

3/8 – 2pm – 4pm Level 1 & 2

– 4.30pm Saturday Afternoon Bar

4/8 – 12:00 Sunday Racing – SUT4/B5/B6 P Gidley (OD), R Clarke (AOD), S Jellicoe (S)

– 2pm – Silver Fleet Race

– 4.30pm Sunday Afternoon Bar

Dutyman

All Duties are published online, and are also available in the clubhouse.

Olton Mere has invested in a system called ‘Dutyman’ which is an online tool for managing sailing duties. From here you’ll be able to request a duty swap or volunteer for a duty. Individual log in details are being sent out.

If you have not received your details, or want to find out more, please speak with one of the sailing committee.