International Canoe 'Final Fling' at Oxford Sailing Club
by G Caldwell 13 Oct 2013 22:13 BST
12 October 2013
The IC fleet converged on Oxford on Saturday to compete in their 'final fling' open meeting. In true and historic style, the racing again took second place to the drinking and frivolities of the trolley dollies... and the association pub meal on Saturday night.
The sailors and the 'dollies' were not disappointed! The Ellis family took firm control of the day, with John leading the fleet onto the water (not at all hung over from his retirement bash on Friday night), and Carol leading the ladies...astray! No surprise there then!
Rigging the boats in a very strong breeze did not dampen he spirits, and wind guru proved accurate with the wind dropping to a pleasant F2 by lunchtime. Four races were held back to back, with a sausage/triangle course being set over all he lake. The wind continued to drop throughout t he afternoon, and prove to be a little confusing to some of the competitors as it first clocked right, and then 100degrees left with no warning.
But not as confused as the ladies were as they were extricated from Blenheim Palace garden maze. Alcohol not a big help there then!
Congratulations to Steve Bowen (AC) and Gareth Caldwell (IC) who won their respective fleets. Overall fleet winner based on handicap was Gareth.
Thank you again to Simon Hotchin and his team for running an excellent Open... venue and pub have both been booked for next year.