Saturday was spent at the Dinghy Exhibition, Alexandra Palace. On the Flying Fifteen stand it was interesting to meet the BIFFA and other fleets personnel and to compare experiences. Ann only just managed to restrain me from placing an immediate order for the latest boat on display with the carbon fibre composite hull and gleaming goodies and made me concentrate on the job in hand, which was to circulate information far and wide regarding our Open. With the influx of visitors that we can now expect it is time for the home fleet to show its colours. Only three weeks to go, so now is the time to turn your backs on the trivia of domestic commitments and GET REGISTERING YOUR ENTRY on line. You know you deserve it and you know it makes sense!
After the heady experiences of Saturday it was back to Bewl on Sunday to a dry, chilly day with a NE Force 3 blowing. Four boats competed with Keith B and Jenny, together with Doug and Glynis Milligan playing the crew swapping scene, so that Keith could decide whether to buy Doug`s boat. The course set gave us three beats, one reach and a run and in the lightish winds Robin and Gio just managed to keep ahead of Eric and Bill to the finish.
To get his revenge in the second race, Eric had arranged one of his favourite race features, namely a downwind start. This allowed Bill to demonstrate his spinnaker dexterity on the start line and they sailed off to a commanding lead. Festina Lente, sensing her owners possible desertion for a step up in gracious living, sailed impeccably and FFoxglove only just managed to pip her at the post and probably did not do enough to beat the handicap.
A really pleasant days sailing, with Bill and Eric adding more weight of glassware to their sideboard. It was a shame to come ashore at lunchtime, the afternoon weather was perfect for sailing but FEAR NOT, next week is the start of the Spring series A and B, ie afternoon sailing…..SEE YOU THERE!
Robin and Gio>
