Vane 'A' Boat event at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club

by Tony Wilson 28 Jul 2018 16:31 BST 14-15 July 2018

Vane 'A' model yachting at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson

Along the lake and light was the wind forecast, with not a cloud in the sky. It looked like we had finally got rid of those pesky Northerlies that we don't like too much at Fleetwood and that had mainly dominated for the last month.

We had eight boats for the day, at least eventually once Mr. Roberts had put his together. A selection of bits were accumulating on the grass verge along with an extensive tool kit, power tools and an eagerness to put it all together, although he did say we could start without him.

The first race was underway and it looked like the wind was coming from the direction of the Sea Cadets headquarters. The near bank was the choice that the skippers had placed their mates as it was thought that the Port tack was going to be the long one. Martin missed out the first race and was hoping to race Peter for this abandoned race later on, so we actually received extra help for first few legs.

The very slow start meant that we had only completed four legs of the lake by about 1pm and by this time lunch was called. The blistering heat wasn't helping, maybe it contributed to the lull in concentration as there seemed to be no real urgency, but we shouldn't complain. It was a gorgeous day and there were smiles all around with the use of plenty of sunscreen.

With the afternoon session about to start, only the two Davids were properly established on the score cards with equal points, but all was to change. The heats were now being hurried along as we had five return journeys to hopefully fit in.

Vane 'A' model yachting at Fleetwood - photo © Tony Wilson

Mr. Roberts won his next two complete races, so now he was also up at the front with the running pack. Eddie was struggling and unlike previous race days, only managed to snatch points on a couple of runs all day. Rob Walsh and Peter Whiteside ended with equal points on 15 each, while Robert Bell fell two points short of his brother David who had finished in third position on the day with 18 points.

The conclusion for the day was around 6pm and a missed out race from Martin wasn't needed. Having adequate points already he was awarded with a worthy second place despite his ongoing daily build throughout the day.

Vane 'A' model yachting at Fleetwood - photo © Tony Wilson

On Sunday there was slightly more wind calling for another Trophy and for some a change to smaller sails. The direction seemed more down the lake, but again in places it could catch you out with the swirls. A swap of boats in the Roberts family, meant we had his son 'junior rookie' paired up with Rob Walsh with the now running to optimum Red boat from dad, while Martin was using the Yellow Peril.

The earlier prompt start had the races moving along fairly quickly and we had one skipper less as Eddie had some home maintenance to be seeing too. A 4pm finish enabled the football enthusiasts to rush home for a second half World Cup final. Robert Bell took the honours for the day with a combined team effort for second by team Rob Walsh.