Race 5 Report and Notice of Race 6
It was a testing morning for our scow competitors last Saturday and a hardy fleet of 7 scows made it out on to the water.
Race 5 Report from Charles Nicholson
Sunday 10am, raining cats and dogs – would we race? Would anyone else turn out?
Plenty of cars in the field though and our redoubtable Starting Officer Oli Stanley and experienced Race Officer John Phipps were not going to be put off by the conditions or vague talk of lightning. The flag on the abbey indicated a decent SE breeze, but conditions at water level were much, much more fluky.
Seven scows sailed course ‘Johnny’ D.E.P. : twice round, all to port. On leg 1, the front of the fleet sailed straight into a hole. Jay came from the back to the front, (not for the first time) and Bill O-Y stormed up the inside. The wind flicked from side to side, gusted, dropped, disappeared and reappeared – the boats that did well were the ones that avoided getting stuck in irons – with helms cursing under their breath as it happened to us in turn.
By the first mark Eric and Jay were fighting for the lead and positions had seemingly settled after a tricky run, (one of the loudest sounds downwind is the seeming roar of the bow wave of the boat behind you as it catches a gust). But Jay unusually succumbed to the irons and let go his second place (and with it the responsibility to write this report…hmmm). Lap 2 was more of the same – still fluky, Eric assured in the lead, with the west side of the river paying dividends – usually.
At the finish it was Eric, Charles and Jay in the medal positions, then Mary holding off Bill and Sam, then the trio of Poppy and Beatie Markby and Timor Karavan.
Mike Doherty and Claudia Downes in the Safety Boat, (now with electric propulsion), were soggy but uncomplaining. James McGill was ever on hand to help. The tea and cakes were splendid under their waterproof Tupperware – a special mention for Hickie’s cake and sandwiches and a big ‘thank you’ to everyone for the stoicism. It was all thoroughly worthwhile.
Many thanks indeed to such stalwart volunteers for ‘booting up’ and making the race possible and ‘hats off’ to all those who took part. Judging from Charles‘ account it was a particularly challenging morning.
RACE 6 : Saturday, 21 May, 1530; Pre race boat tuning 1400
Starting Platform: Gerry Marling-Roberts & Sophie Stanley
Race Officer: June Kirkman
Safety Boat:. Victoria & Edward Bonham Carter
Tea Duty: Erica Neve & Mary Montagu-Scott
Don’t miss this great chance to learn about BOAT TUNING, on Saturday, 1400 with Jay Devonshire.
Please ensure the covers of your boats are all clearly marked on the outside to help us with quick and easy ID should we need to locate your boat in the boat park. Thank you.
Looking forward to seeing you out on the water for Race 6, the last race of the Spring Series, next Saturday at 1530.
Yours aye,
Victoria
Captain of Scows