OOD: Keith Clarke; Safety Boat: Tim Young
A glorious autumn day, sunny, warm, but no wind. After deliberating for several minutes the four intrepid sailors said a C course was viable. Four boats made it to the start: James Armitage and crew in Zephyr (Enterprise); Felicia Biekark in Kaia (Laser); Rebecca Hayes in Wagtail (Mirror); and Nick Jeffery in Eeyore (Duckling). All successfully navigated Kew Bridge will skill, with Nick gamely rowing up to the start.
A good start with James drifting across the line with the current, chased by Felicia in Keith’s lent/borrowed laser, with Rebecca and Nick following.
The safety boat took the opportunity to go upriver to look at the recent breach in the tow path, which is substantial. Returning downstream the mark was dropped astutely at Brentford to be positioned for both slack tide and 30 min sailing. On checking on the fleet’s progress Nick was not in sight. A rapid run downstream to the clubhouse followed with no sight of Nick. Meanwhile James continued to lead closely chased by Felicia and Rebecca further back. Still barely a breath of wind.
Nick was finally spotted having gone up the channel north of the Brentford Eyots, happily drifting on the slight current.
On returning to the main channel all three leading boats had rounded the mark and were headed downstream on the slowly increasing tide. We agreed with Nick on his emergence from behind the Eyot that he would not reach the upstream mark against the turned tide. We instructed him to sail a shortened course and chase the fleet downstream.
At the finish line James crossed at 1hr 6 min 30 sec chased by Felicia at 1hr 7min 45 sec, Rebecca at 1hr19min 33sec and Nick at 1hr 20 plus 15 min penalty,1hr 35 min since he clearly deserved to have a finished time. Great day on the river, pity about the wind.
Keith Clarke (OOD)
Next week we have an A-course starting at 14:00.
Advance warning: the ever-popular SGSC winter Dinner and Dance is booked for 8th March 2025 at the Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club. Mark it in your diary and email Marian to let her know of your interest: armitagew4@gmail.com.