Vane A 24^th April 2016

Thank you to everyone who came: skippers, mates and spectators. A brilliant days sailing! We started with seven boats but Lewis Wyeth kindly withdrew to mate his grandfather Graham (and his Dad Shaun) to ensure they could complete a challenging day’s sailing! There were some excellent performances from the Hollom and the Simpson designed boats. A varied north, north westerly wind often surprised skippers along the course. Going past the clubhouse was ‘interesting’ as the wind was totally different from one end of the course to the other……

Well done to Shaun – of course mated by Lewis, who did some excellent re-trims. Scoring 19 points he won the day. Second was Jacque Cook, with mate Eric Meighen. Wow! We actually got ‘Nlightened going and managed to score in double figures (15 points). The weather conditions were right for her and settings were (largely) good! In third place (on count back as they gained the same number of points were the Cook/Fothergill team on the first outing of their new boat Zest. She clearly has potential and there is room for ‘tweaking’. Graham came fourth only one point behind the Cook/Fothergill team. Graham sailed well, particularly on the up wind legs where he scored more than any one else in the fleet. He certainly is the master of up wind.

Malcolm Eales and mate Paul Edwards performed better on the down wind legs but the variable wind conditions did not suit their boat, ‘Ruby’. Overall, they came Fifth followed by Anthony Warren and mate Lester Gilbert. They seemed to be on the wrong side of lifts and so lost out to their more fortunate competitors. We look forward to seeing their new boat soon.

Our thanks to Allan Oxlade and Alex Kennaby for manning the start and finishing lines which was not a warm occupation! Also to Roger Cole for providing his ‘training day’. Skippers, starters and finishers as well as mates really appreciated the feedback, We were ultra, ultra (quote from Le Carré…)

careful at starting and in our actions around the lake. Gosport members will be squeaky clean with regard to the rules when it comes to the championship. Well done everybody – however from now on NO PUSHING!!!!!!

It was interesting to note that Thomas Wyeth sailed his Choppa brilliantly. We just need another Choppa and another….. to have a race. Any other Choppas in the club?

Jacque Cook

Vane A Class Captain