Who wants to go to an inland venue in the August holiday season when the weather forecast is for  light winds on Saturday and nothing on Sunday? The answer was three visitors and seven of the home club fleet. The plan was to get four races completed on the Saturday afternoon, and this was (just) achieved.

Race One:  The wind was up to 10mph for the start, and those going left off the start were looking good – until a large shift allowed those on the right to sail for the mark. With the wind staying right, the following legs were somewhat of a procession.  Clive Eplett extended the lead he had at mark one, while Andrew Wilson just overhauled Mike Beckett for 2^nd as the wind eased and backed on the last downwind leg.

Race Two:  With the course moved to reflect the new wind direction, the fleet again split on the first beat, but this time it was those on the left who got the shift, with Andrew leading and Clive – who’d gone right – near the back. All changed again downwind as those going right got more wind. Mike briefly took the lead, while Clive caught up fast. However Andrew again gained by going left upwind and just about held off Clive to the finish.

Race Three: Clive won the pin end, went up the favoured left side and was well ahead at the first mark. Doug Struth and Al Hall were leading the followers while Andrew struggled after a poor start. With the wind showing signs of fading, the race was shortened after lap two.

Race Four: The fleet started in a reasonable breeze, but on a shortened course, with Clive and Andrew again to the fore.  By lap three however, the wind was fading fast, and had all but vanished on the last run.

Overall, Clive sailed very well for his three first places – and had a clear speed advantage in the light winds with his 10.2 sail.  Our thanks go to Jo Snowden the Race Officer for completing the four races very efficiently.  The sailors then voted against returning on Sunday to try to race– a decision that proved wise – and the Saturday results became final.