Blithfield Barrel 2024/25 - Week 2

With Storm Darragh rampaging through the UK and wind speeds forecast to be upwards of 42 knots, a hurried discussion took place on Saturday afternoon about whether to cancel or not. The decision was to proceed as planned and make a final decision on the day.

With the aid of the Club's anemometer, which is also broadcast live to the website, we were able to track the actual wind speed against the forecast. Luckily it seemed to be 10-12 knots lower which was borne out by the on-the-spot assessment at 1000hrs on Sunday morning. The green light was on.

Blithfield Barrel week 2 was nearly cancelled due to Storm Darragh - photo © Phil Silver

In anticipation, a fair number of our regulars had made the trip and a mixed fleet of Merlins, 505s, Supernovas, Lasers, Phantom, GP14 and others hit the start line cleanly for the first race.

Although the anemometer only recorded a maximum of 29 knots at the Clubhouse, many were convinced it was higher on the water. Whatever the case, it was fast sailing with gusts and waves to contend with as the wind came from the northwest. The course included 2 beats and some close reaches which saw all boats bar the Flying Fifteen planing with ease.

Blithfield Barrel week 2 was nearly cancelled due to Storm Darragh - photo © Phil Silver

The downwind gybe mark was sufficiently threatening that many opted for the 'granny gybe', and that discretion proved its value for many. Even so, there were numerous capsizes but no-one required outside assistance. In Race 1, line honours went to the 505 of Michael Sims and Carl Gibbon ahead of a battle between three Merlins and an RS400.

Arguably the wind wasn't the story of the day as much as the 6 degreesC temperature - which was 2 degreesC by the time the windchill was factored in. The sailors were the lucky ones with exertion keeping them warmer than the safety crews.

Blithfield Barrel week 2 was nearly cancelled due to Storm Darragh - photo © Phil Silver

Lunchtime was another culinary winter masterpiece from Chef Pete, a chilli of the highest quality with 3 different styles of potato (how many Clubs do you know will include roast potato wedges amongst the options?). Dessert was apple pie and custard.

Suitably fortified the second race started promptly at 1400 with marginally less windy conditions. There were fewer starters with a combination of wind strength and cold dissuading some crews from a second sail.

Blithfield Barrel week 2 was nearly cancelled due to Storm Darragh - photo © Phil Silver

A minor tweak to the course shortened it slightly but still left the sporty reaches. The capsizes were less in number but still spectacular and again line honours went to Michael Sims and Carl Gibbon.

Overall winner for the day was Adam Froggat in his Phantom followed by local boys, Paul Keeling in his Laser and Matthew Webb in his OK. Notable other competitors included BSC Juniors, Oli Green and Lara Griffith in a Hartley 12 with a parent (Andy Griffith) along as much needed ballast. Even more kudos to them for not capsizing.

Blithfield Barrel week 2 was nearly cancelled due to Storm Darragh - photo © Phil Silver

With hot showers to resuscitate, and then free cake and the leftovers from lunch aligned on the bar, there was just the right atmosphere to warm up and reflect on the day's sport. The next round is 12 Jan 2025.

Overall Results: