The day dawned bright but with little wind and a mist over the water. This though cleared and the breeze picked up.
A simple course was set and 10 boats took to the chilly water only a few minutes after 11. The fleet featured a visitor, Sam Meetham now sailing a gents solo in keeping with his family image, with a new daughter (only 4 days old supporting dad!) it looks like his fireball days are now behind him?
Some good natured jostling on the line, (where had all the Christmas spirit gone?) with the fleet bunched up, headed for the windward mark. They were joined by Abi Cooper who had missed out on the fun on the line having been tardy in her earlier boat preparation. Some order then ensued with Sam and Alan Gillard fighting it out at the front with some family rivalry playing out behind, Coopers, Chambers and Parsons!
These private races continued throughout and over time Alan established a lead of just over 30 seconds from Sam he would not give up. Just for fun the OOD’s sent Jonathan Parsons round again and finished on the old lady of the club, Simon Fleetwood in his GP14. (the old lady is the boat of course!). Fortunately Simon kept the GP upright so the rescue crew did not have to witness it’s decidedly submarine type tendencies when full of water!
All 10 starters trooped in and after handicap, Alan held his first place on the water with Sam second and Jenni Parsons a creditable third. The punch and mince pies then took over and a full clubhouse saw Alan hold the Ian Meetham trophy aloft with Margaret presenting.
The clubhouse also applauded Jenni, being the outright winner of the winter open series. More punch, and more mince pies followed. a great day to end 2013 season on. Already looking forward to 2014’s racing!