Rooster 8.1 Nationals at Weir Wood Sailing Club - Day 1
by Stephen Cockerill 20 Oct 2012 21:52 BST
20-21 October 2012
With wind forecast for 2 knots or less - only 16 Rooster 8.1's signed on for the first day of racing. Despite the poor forecast the RO was hopeful at running a couple of races late in the afternoon.
Whist waiting on the shore there were occasional zephyrs on the water which was enough encouragement for the fleet to get changed and take to the water. In hindsight the fleet might have elected to stay ashore after one start in less than 3 knots that also then swung 30 degrees left leaving the fleet reaching down the run - only to find the race was abandoned.
The RO moved the course to the new average breeze and the race got underway again without a hitch. Three sailors capsizing as they were executing their roll tack off the start.
With less than a knot of wind, it became obvious that the only way that the boats moved was not by sailing, but by wafting.
The race was shortened after a windward leeward, much to the relief of the fleet who went ashore to enjoy the Championship curry.
Thankfully the forecast for Sunday is looking much better.