OOD: Leona Shepherd
Safety Boat: Andy Ross and David Baker
Weather: Fair to sunny with light winds.
Course: A
Eight boats launched with Rob Adams and Billy Adams in Big Polly (Enterprise), Nick Jeffrey in Eeyore (Duckling), Ollie Adams and Felicity Adams in Spinosaurus (Mirror), Toby Hicks in Cip.. (Laser), Rebbeca Hayes in Wagtail (Mirror), Tim Young in Ait Knots (Wanderer), Sam Shemtob in Spirit of Youth (Wayfarer) and Nick Floyer in flo (Gull). Due to the light winds the OOD started the race at 15.05 to allow all boats to reach the starting line and also get a feel for the conditions.
Immediately skippers Rob and Olly were vying for position down the first leg of the first lap. Thereafter Rob in Big Polly demonstrated his experience (or was it Billy’s magic touch?) and maintained a lead position throughout the race. Toby on Cip.. put in some excellent lap times overtaking Olly & Felcia on Spinosaurus on the 2nd lap, holding the position until the 4th lap and then staying very close to them until his last lap.
There were some tricky moments as there always are. The spring tide was strong in the middle of the channel but was manageable. Special commendation goes to Rebecca on Wagtail’s inaugural race with SGSC. Despite initially denying a desire to compete Wagtail did eventually pass the start line and ultimately completed 4 timed laps. The usual entourage outside the Bell & Crown turned into a Wagtail/Rebecca fan-club cheering her at each lap. And, without prejudice, the atmosphere on the bank was superb such that all boats were given an ovation as they passed the final flag.
Happily the wind picked up and the doomsters premonition of a 1 lap race were dispelled with half the fleet eventually completing 7 or more laps.
Back at the boathouse (where the morning’s work party had done a sterling job) a delicious chocolate cake, with cream and rhubarb compote had been prepared by our newest racer Rebbeca and her daughter. Thank you to everyone who helped on shore, on the water and back at the club.
Leona Shepherd (OOD)
Next Sunday it’s a D-course (Hammersmith and back) starting at 16:00
