Bembridge Sailing Club Mid September Keelboat Racing
by Bembridge Sailing Club 22 Sep 2025 17:59 BST
20-21 September 2025
Bembridge SC Mid September Keelboat Racing © Mike Samuelson
Saturday morning's strong wind forecast was sufficiently close to the actual conditions that racing was cancelled. As it was there were no Redwings and only one One-Design wanting to race so No 7 (Charles Abel Smith) went for a sail instead.
Sunday morning's forecast was considerably nicer for racing (sunny N/NE F4) so it was very disappointing that there were no Redwings again and only two One-Designs; No 8 was Alexander Ross sailing single handed and No 10 helmed by Mark Hodgkinson with Charlie the Boatman's partner Charlotte crewing. Her first time in a One-Design!
Starting off Pepe with Nainby as the first windward mark, neither exactly 'hit the line' at the start, but Alexander on port was sufficiently far ahead by the time they rounded the first mark that it was hardly a race any more so it was finished back at Pepe with No 8 four minutes ahead. With both deciding to go for a port tack start for the second race, they crossed the line close together, albeit with No 8 just ahead.
However, that was as close as they got! Alexander's experience of keeping a One-Design going in an easterly swell put No 8 well ahead again by the time they reached Nainby. Returning to Pepe where the race was shortened, Alexander crossed the line a similar distance ahead to the first race. The offer of a third race was declined!
Next weekend is the last one of the 2025 keelboat season so hopefully the weather will be kind and there will be a reasonable number of boats racing. The following weekend sees the start of the 2025-2026 Illusion Season!