Race Report 20 July 2025
OOD: Olly Adams, Safety Boat: Rob Adams
Course: D Weather: very changeable, 12-17 knots SSW
4 boats signed up to race, but this dropped to two when the forecast suggested gusty wind. The two sailors: Lev Kolobov and Inna in Porpoise (Enterprise) and Rebecca Hayes in Wagtail (Mirror) were persuaded to sail by Rob Adams now on safety boat with young Billy, and Olly Adams as OOD.
The start was 10 mins late due to lack of manpower to get the boats and rescue boat ready. Conditions were perfect for a challenging sail in wind and sun for what they call in Salcombe “champagne sailing” conditions.
The Chiswick reach had a strong gusty headwind but both Lev and Rebecca handled it with aplomb. Lev and Inna set off into the distance with Rebecca making steady progress towards Chiswick Bridge. Rob in the rescue boat was keen to keep both boats in sight due to the capsize conditions so agreed with Lev that he should turn on Chiswick Bridge but if still keen could try another lap. But by this time the tide had turned and was forcing Rebecca back to Strand. As Lev returned in the Enterprise Rebecca sensibly turned for home too. Both boats finished close together with Lev doing a full Chiswick Bridge lap and Rebecca a Little Boats half lap to Chiswick Staithe and back. Congratulations to both competitors: no swimming and a good healthy sail.
Rob Adams
