Autumn Series: Race Report Race 2 – Saturday 30th September 2023

The Race to Brickyard by James Gedge

Always a favourite race of anyone in the club t- o go to Christoph and Sarah’s for tea and cakes..as we all know this is code for rosé and hot dogs and to the delight of all the competitors we were not disappointed. A big ‘thank you’ to the hosts for once again entertaining us all.

It was to be the first race of the series at RFF. A total of eleven boats turned up on the day and what a beautifully sunny day it was too with just enough wind going in all directions to keep us on our toes. It was a straight sprint down to Brickyard so a good start was going to be all important. Ginna, Race Officer and Gerry, on Starting, got us all away before rushing down to Brickyard to man the finishing line. As it happened they probably didn’t need to rush…that’s the beauty of sailing at the top of the river, going from close hauled, to a run, then reach, then run then going backwards..

Elizabeth and I somehow got a good start and were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves . Everything seemed to be going to plan until we approached the Dare’s pontoon, all of a sudden in the wing mirror was Henry & George, Mary, Red & Cleo and Karl & Annabel.Within a flash we were suddenly in their wing mirror’s wondering why we seemed to be going backwards as they all disappeared off into the distance. It was at this point Elizabeth told me to stop swearing and start enjoying myself .

I can’t report whether it was a close photo finish or not as Elizabeth & I were still stuck near the Dare’s pontoon at the time but I did relax, got out the binoculars, (needed to be the 10×50’s) and could just see that Henry, (and George, although I think his Dad slowed him down a bit), helmed a superb race to take 1st place, followed by Red & Cleo in 2nd with Karl & Annabel taking 3rd place. Well done to all of you.

Big thank you as always to the safety officers, Sam, Peter and Robert.

Hopefully see most of you next time and don’t forget the safety boat always needs a volunteer to drive it and the starting platform actually needs someone to press the horn..

Cheers All.