Race Report 4th October 2026
A beautiful day but no wind. The Windguru forecast showed 4 knots of wind from the SW. Reluctance from potential entrants Kiran Biekarck (laser 5.7), Felicia Biekarck (Laser), Ben Chappell (laser), Keith Clarke (Laser), to drift to Hammersmith and back possibly a 3 hour trip. So as a compromise a low water B course was set using the rowing buoys as marks negating the use of heavy club marks. Optimistically the intention was to stem the outgoing tide to make the return leg of the laps.
With Rob Adams substituted in the rescue boat by new SGSC member Robin Hunter-Coddington and Lenny Pronk a 5 boat fleet launched. Another innovation was the use of the lightweight rubber dinghy and the 2.3hp engine as the rescue boat. Much easier to launch and recover across the low water foreshore.
Heather as OOD started the race 20mins late with Felicia still launching. Not to worry, after a pleasant sail in the very light zephyr of a wind the fleet arrived at the downstream, mark Rob followed by Kiran, Ben, Keith and then Felicia. Unfortunately even with centre plate and rudder up little progress was made upstream. The fleet regrouped. Keith left the group who were using dagger boards to anchor and sailed off to Chiswick Bridge. Rob and Ben managed to round the mark and set off for the Middlesex bank to try their luck there but with no benefit. But all was not lost for the patient ones, Kiran and Ben having retired in frustration. The wind filled in a little bit and conveniently came from the south allowing a close fetch to the one-lap shortened course finish at No 1 SotG. By the time of the finish the tide had turned. A close finish with Rob, Felicia and Keith. Keith having done the longer course made up considerable ground.
Conclusion
The lightweight dinghy as safety boat was a great success although tricky with two buoys on board. Take a can of petrol with you because the small engine does not have a big tank.
A low water B course is not a bad option but a time closer to the tide turning would be advisable.
Thanks to Lenny and Robin for volunteering to do the rescue boat.
Rob Adams
