Get Racing at Draycote in completely different conditions
by Elizabeth Fillmore 8 Aug 2014 07:25 BST
3 August 2014
Get Racing at Draycote Apres Sail © Elizabeth Fillmore
Completely different conditions met the members who arrived at the Draycote Water SC to take part in the fourth Get Racing session. Previous days had seen light winds and on Sunday 3 August the brilliant sunshine and lee of the clubhouse helped disguise the strong and gusty conditions on the race course, although the observant may have noticed cat's paws and white horses.
Twelve sailors listened to the, by now, customary briefing and then headed back to their boats ranging from a Topaz to an RS800. All were given red and white tape to attach to their boats so they may be identified more easily by the OD team and other sailors.
Those reaching the committee boat realized the extent of the wind with an abundance of white horses but unfortunately the breeze leaving the shore was too much for a few who soon decided discretion was the better part of valour. The presence of the coach boat around the course was welcomed by all starting the race.
Rebecca Stil got away to a good start in her Laser Radial and never looked back, leading all the way round. On hearing the finish gun she proclaimed that she wanted to do another lap and proceeded to do so! Behind her there was a close race between Warren Yates and Lorraine Leahy in their Wayfarer and father and son team of Andy and Sam Guppy, sailing a 2000 for the first time, the 2000 crossing the line ahead. Paul in his Laser had an 'interesting' time sailing to the start line but completed the course. The results adjusted for Portsmouth Number were the same as the order crossing the line.
There was only one taker, Richard Knight, for the afternoon race but he traded his Topaz for a ride in Caroline Noel's Miracle and was given a swift lesson in flying a spinnaker.
Meeting up on the patio and enjoying the sunshine, many tales were told of the morning's adventures (in true sailing club fashion!) and a welcome drink was enjoyed.
The Get Racing series continues on Sunday 7 September and is open to any 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.