Happy New Year folks !

New Year's Day racing of the Jack Hale cup had drama, tears, bemusement, laughter and even insanity !

With a SW gusting 20 knots only the brave took to the water or those who didn't have hangovers.

A smallish field saw 7 boats unable to finish - 1 disqualification for unrepentant mark hitting and another  for lack of sleep !

There were terrifying speeds downwind and not just the spinnaker boys. The field was infact lead by RS600 sailor B.Whiney (Clare take note !). However with the  turning circle of a Boeing 747 he lost 5 places, Tony Cook cutting close to the mark in the Contender was briefly in front. P.Whiney got disillusioned and went for a jolly, capsizing along with others who were never really in the race.

Capsize king for the day was Phil Peach- at least 5.

Despite Martyn Styles and Richard Whites's RS400 lifting clear from the water at times they were third on handicap to Simon Cory and Clare Hansell in the RS200. Second were John Cass and Julia Blackman in a Buzz.

Perhaps performance of the day was new deadly duo Commodore Paul Harris and wife Deb in a Laser 2000 for 7^th. Ben Hills top singlehander for 4^th in his Laser without capsizing.

If you cannot do without the excitement till the 1^st April don't forget the Saturday Club. For me its back to pizza delivery.... adieu.