Buzz "Get it Together" at Roadford Lake Sailing Club

Informal tuning and racing at Roadford © Buzz Class Associatio

Despite what some may consider an unfavourable forecast 9 Buzzes turned out for this informal tuning and racing weekend – the latter provided through the Roadford Lake Sailing Club’s Whitsun Regatta.

It was great to welcome some new faces – Jon & Dan (St Ives1062) and Paul & Gemma (Teign Corinthian 885) again. With Stuart & Zoe (Wilsonian 763) and Mike & Josh (Chew 585) the complement was made up by 5 of the 7 Roadford Buzzes - Kevin & Brian (783), Candice & Bryn (590), Chris & George (497) and Roger & Penny (987). It was also great to see Martin, who has recently become a father, turn out to pick up tips to support what has become single handed Buzz sailing for him...

After a busy morning of exchanging tips, 8 Buzzes took to the Lake’s 600 acres for two races that started with strong onshore winds - the sunshine making the water look slightly less intimidating! On the long windward/leeward course, 763 led from the start. After numerous capsizes on the gybe the fleet changed places several times over the 3 laps. 987 in close pursuit of 763 suffered a broken main halyard just metres from the finish and lost their 2nd place to 590 who sailed a great race just ahead of 885 (Paul & Gemma). The only other finishers were newcomers 1062 (Jon & Dan) who admitted that they had never ‘enjoyed’ such strong conditions before!

The second race, still windy, saw 763 out in front again. After a dispute at the windward mark which saw 987 doing a 720, 783. stormed into 2nd place after 590 retired for an early shower. 585 and 1062 handled the conditions well, finishing 4th & 5th respectively whilst 885 took a few more dips than usual forcing them to retire.

A sociable BBQ ‘chez Pole Dancer’ (590) was enjoyed by all – some getting to bed early to ease the aches & pains of a hard day on the water! Sunday dawned with slightly better conditions and all Buzzes took to the water with renewed vigour. Whilst 763 and 590 stormed ahead, 885 stayed upright(!) and sailed brilliantly to take a well deserved 3rd place.. On the final downwind leg, 590 chose to sail the angles while 763 ‘soaked’ leaving 590 to steal the lead at the last minute.

Afternoon racing brought very different conditions and a new course. The winds were very light which saw some hasty rigging changes onshore! Those that spent time checking out the line got the best start at the starboard pin end whilst those that had to bear away towards the committee boat end ended up seriously disadvantaged in the shifty conditions.

A further course change in the second race of the afternoon took the fleet to the southern end of the lake in front of the reservoir dam. Once again, those at the starboard end got the best start and 987, heading off across the lake, picked up the bend towards the windward mark and rounded first, closely followed by 783 and 763. All change at the leeward mark where 783 had pulled ahead, closely followed by 763 who pulled ahead again on the beat to hold another 1st position at the end of the day’s racing.

‘Chez Poledancer’ hosted another great BBQ and log fire complete with team Quiz won by the ‘Damn Useless’ team aka Stuart, Zoe & Ross (Roadford’s SI and Chairman of RLSC)!

That night brought a serious change in the weather with heavy rain and onshore winds gusting to 40kts – sadly these did not abate and desite a few brave hearts wanting to venture out - including Chis & George (497) and Josh Praeter (585 – Mike seemed less convinced, although he did get changed!), the SWLT management team closed the lake to dinghies for safety and racing was abandoned.

Prize giving saw Stuart & Zoe (Wilsonian 763) walk away with the bubbly. Poledancer (Roadford 590 – Bryn & Candice) got a well deserved 2nd and 3rd were Kevin & Brian (Roadford 783).

Camping, safety and other logistics were kindly provided by the South West Lakes Trust resident team and Roadford Lake Sailing Club in their usual hospitable fashion.

Thanks to all involved for what proved, once again, to be a great event at Roadford Lake Sailing Club.