'Get Racing' continues at Draycote despite the lack of wind
by Elizabeth Fillmore 6 Jun 2014 07:43 BST
1 June 2014
The forecast in the lead up to last Sunday (1 June) did not bode well for the second Get Racing session and a check on the web cam that morning only confirmed the lack of wind which inevitably deterred some from attending. Several others arrived but on seeing the drifting conditions said 'Thank you but no thank you, we'll see you next month!', leaving 8 enthusiastic individuals who were keen to Get Racing in the bright sunshine, once a course could be laid.
After much discussion on shore the committee boat went afloat to see if a course could be set. In the meantime this gave ample opportunity for the coaches to go through the signing on and off procedures, the start sequence and layout of the club marks. The club sequence got underway and, with the assistance of a tow from the coach boat, the 4 double handed boats arrived at the start line and remained in close company up the first beat. The conditions were mainly drifting with the occasional small puff to speed things along. The RS400 edged in front and established a good lead by the end of the first lap when there was a welcome shortening of the course for all club boats. The Feva and 2000 remained in close proximity to the end and the Topaz Race only lost out on the last leg.
Lunchtime provided an opportunity to chat through the race and discuss general tactics and mark roundings, captured on camera. Despite the poor sailing conditions all felt the morning had been worthwhile. Richard Knight commented that he welcomed the chance to try racing at the club and that the session had removed the 'entry barrier'. Had it not been for 'Get Racing', he and son James would not have come to the club today with so little wind on the lake and he now had a much better understanding of how the racing is run.
Most decided to call it a day at lunchtime but Stephen Clemett and Hugh Stuart decided to race their RS400 again and joined in the afternoon fast handicap race – endorsing the holding of these sessions. In addition a number of last month's participants have joined in regular club racing.
The next Get Racing will be on Sunday 6 July when hopefully there will be a little more wind and is available to those who have previously attended and any other member who is interested in getting involved in racing at Draycote. Club boats will again be available for hire via Dave in the shop, free of charge, on a first come first served basis.