IC Nationals Day 2 & International Canoe Week Day 5 at Stone Sailing Club
by G Caldwell 1 Jul 2018 06:19 BST
25 June - 1 July 2018
Races 3 & 4 (Friday)
The fleet started the long journey to the course area in fine 'Mr Brightside' sunshine and a F1 breeze against the tide. Wendy had 'that look' in her eye and managed to get the fleet away at the first time of asking. Robin again 'Heard the Calling' and showed he was 'The Man' to lead to the first mark - finding wind on the left of the beat. He wasn't troubled throughout - that was 'The Way it Was' - and was followed home by Mike Fenwick and Shaun Anderson.
With a building breeze and a smooth sea, race 4 was in perfect 'Joy Ride' conditions. Robin was again 'On Top' and won, followed by myself, with Mike and Steve Clarke close behind. On returning to shore, the first three boats were subject to the marshall's spot checks - which resulted in a couple of protests, and a re-jig of the results.
The evening's Commodore's Reception was a welcome antipathy to the protest room... just 'Leave The Bourbon on the Shelf'.
Races 5 & 6 (Saturday)
Race 5 was designated the Sailing Challenge Trophy - a long distance race - which was sailed in a F4. A course past Bradwell Power Station, over to East Mersea, around Radio Caroline, and back to base. A nice long beat and a long planing run - in excellent IC conditions. I managed to find the 'Modern Magic Formula' to hold on for the win, followed by Robin (OCS), Phil Robin and Al Warren.
Race 6 was run from the club line in 'trying' conditions. At the starting gun it was a little 'Boooom Blast and Ruin' as the lead four boats found trouble in locating the windward mark. Dave Timpson stayed calm, didn't 'Re-arrange' his strategy, sailed the correct course, and was enjoying a beer on the balcony before the rest of the fleet entangled themselves (or their now 'Semi Mental' brains) to sail the prescribed course.
A weary fleet got ready for the Championship Dinner on Saturday. I'll be looking forward to 'My Recovery Injection'.
Thanks as always to Wendy, to The Killers for Friday, and Biffy Clyro for Saturday. Results to follow after Sunday's racing.