For what felt like the first time this season, there was sun and a genuinely warm, but light breeze.
Though there was initially a northerly breeze, the sea breeze soon caused the wind to back and the beat was no more. While AJ was OD causing havoc in the start boat, especially through the start sequence for the pursuit race, Sue sailed the GP with Claire, and they seemed to be a perfect match – smiling all the way round! Roy was again caught being on the course side of the line at the start so had to return enabling Pam to lead for the first lap when she, unfortunately, sailed the wrong way for a short while.
Mike/Kayla took the lead on the final lap, and Val was 2nd in her Solo.
The wind for the second race stayed with the beat, but the F15 sailors didn’t seem to appreciate the course.
Ian/Lezli-Ann led and won the F15s, while Paul Bowmer with apprentice crew won the GPs, and Bean won the Handicap race
Latest results – Pursuit
Sunday was another gloriously sunny day, but started ominously when the nearby wind turbines were somewhat inactive! Unexpectedly a light breeze filled in from the NW sufficiently to get racing underway and, although there were some major shifts, the general direction held.
The shifts caused various flat spots and Mike/Kayla were one of the first to suffer as they were caught in one on the first beat. They did pull back, probably much to Neil/Judith’s frustration, took the lead and won, maintaining his pole position in the series with Ian/Lezli-Ann 2nd. Jim C borrowed Alan’s F15, and sailed with grand-daughter Poppy(?) – perhaps she brought him some luck as he seemed to be sailing faster offwind despite not flying a spinnaker!
Robbie D made one of his rare appearances on the water this season, again sailing with Amber in the RS200, and pulled out a 3 min lead on handicap from Joan/Jack, and Bean. Scumper finished 4th but still leads the series.
Val/Ken won the GPs but Alan/Sue still lead the series.
In the afternoon there was some nervousness about having a round the lake course for the pennant race, but a course was set down to 10. A slow first beat didn’t help the nerves, but the wind steadied, for Mike at least as he seemed to carry his own breeze all the way to the leeward mark, and boats were heading back towards the club after just half an hour. Although the wind eased briefly again, overall the fleet enjoyed a good sail.
It was an afternoon for boat swapping with Joan/Jack trying their hand in Alan’s F15 and quickly learning the intricacies of tying off the spinnaker halyard due to a faulty cleat! Banter Phil sailed with Ethan in the RS200. Mik made a welcome return to the Mirror fleet finishing a creditable 6th on handicap. The winner was Mike/Kayla finishing just 15 secs ahead of Paul/Vicky in a GP.
Kayla’s win gives her a strong lead in Sandra’s Salver ahead of defending crew Sue.
Latest results – Blencathra, Pennant, Sandra’s Salver