A smaller group of sailors arrived at Westbere expecting the predicted vicious weather and finding a gusty, but sunny southerly. There was some talk of ‘shall I, shan’t I’ but in the end most went out and had a great sail.
After a crowded, but well behaved start off the pontoon, the fleet headed to mark 3 across the lake. Your author led from Rick Perkins initially, but much amusement was provided for the many spectators as your author then managed to capsize whilst leading to the second windward buoy, hit it, get stuck in irons and fall to the tail of the fleet.
After that nothing stopped Rick and he pulled out a huge lead, followed by Simon Dodds and Simon Northrop. Behind things changed frequently as the gusts proved a handful for some. Mention must be made of Kym Leatt’s lengthy visit into the bushes having failed to gybe at the bottom mark on the first lap - fortunately for him out of sight of the spectators!
On the last lap Lee Goody caught up with Simon Northrop, but Simon held him off and the tussle behind finished with Lee, your author and Olly Northrop all very close.
This week Chris Brearly arrived too late for even him to rig and start (thanks for the help launching Chris), and Sophie once again sailed well, this time using Sarah Perkins radial. Any difference Sophie?
