The Boxing Day RNLI charity shield race was well attended with 30 boats of 13 classes and some excitable crews. So excited, in fact, that there were two general recalls on the vicious current on a hightide F3 shifty SW

It was so mild that many crews were overdressed and the clubhouse soon became a sauna with the spicy aromas of complimentary mulled wine. This added to the heady mix and banta of ' what colour socks did you get ? ' '... the relatives from hell,' '...the dog ate my turkey 'and so on.

There were loads of lythe-looking offspring back from various uni's and glamorous-looking partners drinking soft drinks and showing off in front of the old soaks. And, on a less glamorous front, it was Chris Shelton who showed a clean pair of heels to everyone to take the title. Olympiad Hugh Styles and Dad were relegated to 5th in and RS400 . Steve and Judy Restall took 2nd, too little too late, and Chris and Claire who ever they were ? took 3rd in an RS200.

Don't forget New Year's Day.
 

The last race of the winter series bit back in Sunday the 18th of December with ice everywhere.
An eerie dark Eurozone France loomed large, along with several large freighters moored inshore.

Twenty six boats plied the liquid ice, but some retired in the gusty NW 3 too frozen to continue.
One RS600 went 10 yards after launch and capsized which probably made for a cold race.
John Cass and Julia Blackman were disqualified for following the wrong course which was 'huge, crazed with cold and a build up of ice on the tiller arm' ( or so they said ! ). No one completed more than 2 laps or in Rosie's case 1.

A rescue boat engine caught fire which warmed the crew before the toxic fumes took over. There was a tricky landing with a sinister swell, it pays to have a 'state of the art 'drysuit at this point, like Frank Catt, and not a pair of faded 80's swimming trunks as in Kevin's case !

Simon Cory and Seb Hansell's icy grip on the series was finally broken with a warm blast from Steve and Claire Restall's RS200. Sandwiched in the middle was Chris Shelton.

Apparently Boxing day could be mild, so spit out the turkey feathers and get on down !
Merry Christmas !

Those brave enough to embrace the greyness were treated to fast speeds downwind on a very high tide. But it was almost inevitable at some point they would capsize.

It was dominated by the larger boats with crews becoming essential ballast especially rounding the marks. Sometimes there were up to 3 boats over at once but all seemed to rejoin the race.

Simon Cory and George Hyett have made the winter series their own and took 1st in an RS200. Second were John Cass and Julia Blackman in a Buzz. Third were Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt in an RS400.
 

Apparently the sea temperature is 10 degrees warmer than this time last year, but somehow it looked cold. For those interested in fish 'n' chips the sea is too warm for cod, last year it was too cold !

Nothing really exciting happened other than the noble TimWaite and John Sharvill flagged down the rescue boat to rescue Rosie and the faulty rudder. This selfless act cost them at least 5 places- that's according to them !
Rosie finally crossed the start line yet still managed to beat Clare Hansell to last overall by one second. The handicaps are a cruel world.

Simon Cory and George Hyett won in an RS200, Chris Shelton was 2nd in his Phantom, third was Richard White and Martyn Styles in an RS400 closely followed by Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt in the same class.
Top Laser was Toby Freeland.
 

Of course the warm sun coupled with the' lesser mortals' trying to make a splash before the prizegiving on Saturday helps. There was not even the chance of a capsize on the RS600 front which is just as well for entering the water every week nearly naked believe me the water is getting somewhat icy !

At the superhuman end of the spectrum it was business as usual for Simon Cory and super crew George Hyett after winning last week in the ice blue RS200. Richard White and Martyn Styles were 2nd in an RS400, Mark and Clinton Styles showed a clean pair of heels in 3rd to the next Hornet of Eric Styles down in 7th.

Roger Philips was 1st singlehander home resplendent in his new Streaker what a charming sight it makes, and lucky for him he didn't get involved in the bumping and boring at the starts . The RS 400's seemed unable to stay apart at one point but no swearing was heard onshore !

Rosie got struck by Heike in the rear, how could she miss, and yes Heike did at last do a 360. It proves that even the wild fast women of the course can be tamed !

Ben Hills was 2nd in the Lasers but has he won the top laser award ?

Dust down the suits boys
 

Revellers were at it late into the night discussing points of order, or was it the 3 different types of beer direct from the barrels. Personally l thought 'Seaside' was best or was it 'Seaslug' ? Clare Hansell was searching the clubhouse for paracetemol and a nameless member was asleep under a boat !

Twenty five boats of 14 classes took to the water for a staggered start in warm sunshine,but the water temps have plummeted somewhat and dicussions of drysuits has started.

First Slow handicap boat was Simon Cory and George Hyett (mineral water) in an RS200, 2nd Chris Shelton (pints unknown ) in you know what. First fast handicap was Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt in an RS400 with Ed and Sarah snapping at their heels. Roger Philips is proving he can streak with the best of them in 3rd for the slow. It was good to see some new members out there in Enterprises, Fevas and Lasers , though some where along the line a rudder assembly was lost.
 

Twenty one boats of 12 classes plied the olive waters including 8 Lasers and a ratio of 2:1 , slow to fast. And they were in safe hands with Rosie in one of the safety boats! ( Megan I hope you are not in too much distress after your rescue.)
Chris Shelton did his stuff, (sailing that is !) winning both races in his Phantom. Rob and Peter Freeland were 2nd in a Laser 2000, Osker Bisset and Max Taylor Ross in a RS Feva XL 3rd for Sunday points 14.
They were replaced by Ben Hills Laser for 2nd and Ken Davies same class for autumn points 7.

A similar story happened in the fast handicap. Richard White and Rick Clemence winning both races in an RS400. Runners up were Chris and Clare Stubbs same class and John Cass and Julia Blackman 3rd in a Buzz. John and Julia (not a come-dancing couple) managed to reverse this result for Autumn points 7.
Goss of the day was Roger on the water in a 'new' Streaker and showing a clean pair of heels to most other single handers. This went a little pear shaped for the 2nd race with an ugly capsize.

The classy wooden centreboard could be seen glistening from the shore and remained tantalizingly out of reach to his small, scrabbling hands for what seemed an age. He finally surfaced and still beat 5 boats, having finished a dizzy 4th in the 1st race. Soon there could be 4 state of the art Streakers at the club !
 

Twenty four boats of 14 classes, with 8 Lasers plied the glassy seas. But it was very warm and of course the nice SE wind all week gave way to a stale SW.

Eric Styles and George Hyett's Hornet seemed to move more than most in the first race, Sunday Points 12. Martyn Styles and Richard White were 2nd in an RS400, But this result would be reversed in the next race Autumn points 5.

Three slow boats were over the line, but overall winner was Chris Shelton winning over Simon Cory and Seb Hansell in an RS200. This result was again reversed for the 2nd race.

The Laser fleet had a tie for 3rd in race 1 with Toby Freeland and Ben Hills. But Toby would win out in the 2nd race to confirm himself as Laser king at the moment. This being a perilous perch with higher winds waiting.

Still if sailing didn't seem the thing Sunday spare a thought for the 500 fishermen engaged in catching nothing in the 'All England' beach fishing competition.
 

Sunday the 10th of October was a limp 2-3 S-SW with dull patches. But hey it was warm, the rain had stopped, and with the only concession to winter approaching, flocks of brent geese out further.

Chris and Claire Stubbs won Sunday points 11 in an RS400 and went onto win Autumn points 4.
Mike Heeley and 'Mark' were 2nd in the 1st race in the same class but were last in the final race.This gave the 3rd place specialists John Cass and Julia Blackman revenge from their usual place to 2nd for the Autumn points.

The slow handicap race had the exact same result for both races, probably because the weather remained the same. Chris Shelton took 1st in his Phantom, a remarkable effort from Toby Freeland in 2nd in a Laser (has he even sailed one before ?) and 3rd Eric Styles same class
 

There was a delicious SW 3 but with sinister hot patches and doldrums, causing groupings of boats at some marks.
Twenty four boats of 15 classes took to the water.

The slow handicap was all about the top three boats, for the result stayed the same for both races.
Simon Cory and Clare Hansell dominated in an RS200, Chris Shelton 2nd in his Phantom and
3rd Frank Catt in his Streaker.

Tony Cook won the first race, Sunday points 10, in his Contender, Ed and Sarah were 2nd, Chris Stubbs and Rick Clemence were 3rd in an RS400.

The wind dropped a little for Autumn points 3 and last race winner Tony Cook was a victim of one of the' weird and haunted' dull patches wrecking his chances along with an awkward start.

It was if sirens were luring sailors more for a swim than a sail' said one heat-crazed competitor in a large, fast, brown boat.
Steady Ed and Sarah took advantage in their Buzz, Chris and Rick moved up to 2nd and John Cass and Julia Blackman moved their Buzz into 3rd.

Congratulations to the chain gang who installed the excellent new light system.

Sailor of the day Genevieve Butt in her Topper the only one, and doing both races !
 

Five boats took to the water, Jason Hansell's Laser had his first win of the year, Steven and Dani Juden 2nd .

Sunday 25th September started southerlie and swung SSW on a high tide. The wind did increase to an upper F.3 for the 2nd race. The water was strangely gin clear in close.
 

18 boats took to the water for Sunday points 9. The slow fleet out numbered the fast 2 to 1, including 5 Lasers. This was soon to be 4 as Heike snapped her mast. Rosie likened the scene to a pelican floundering with a broken wing ! However the press version reads swan !

Steve and Katie Restall won the slow in an RS200, Seb and Clare Hansell 2nd in the same class. Frank Catt was 3rd in his Streaker. Chris and Helen Stubbs won the fast in and RS400, Ed and Sarah were 2nd in their Buzz, John Cass and Julia Blackman 3rd same class.

Autumn points 2 with the increase in wind saw the Contenders take over with Tonk Cook 1st and Alan Mollett 2nd , Ed and Sarah 3rd. Steve and Katie Restall won again, Frank Catt pushed Seb and Clare to 3rd.
 

Three races out of 4 were achieved, and certainly the afternoon provided less problems.

Forty five boats were on the water at any one time, from 22 different schools, 14 different clubs and 10 classes of boat.
Fourteen boats did not complete the first race which was won by Meia Harnett and Elin Harnett in a 420 ( a rare boat at the club ) from the Queen Elizabeth School. Second was Tom Goodey and  Olivia Goodey in an RS200 from Dane Court School. Top Downs boat was Seb Hansell and Alex Church 5th in an RS200.

The second race was a reversed result for the top two, the top Downs boat was George Hyett's Topper in 12th. Twenty two boats retired which proved to be the hardest race of the day.

A welcome lunch break was followed by a coaching session by guest speaker Hugh Styles
(British Olympic Team) (son of Martyn as if you didn't know!). There was footage on screen from the morning racing - good and bad !
The 3rd race had a false start which was tough on the bilious crew on the start vessel but proved exciting with the number of capsizes.

In fact, there were multiple pile ups involving certain classes, for example 3 RS200's managed to go over together with Toppers emerging from the midst. However there was some good racing and only a few Toppers had to be towed in, though 21 boats did not register a result.

Local boys Seb and Alex took the honours in their RS200, 2nd was Michael Calvert in a Laser Radial from Borden Grammar- the best result of the day for a singlehander.

Hugh Styles again gave a de-brief with pictures and a candid insight into life as an Olympiad.
The prize giving followed before the photo shoot and BBQ.
Local boy Toby Freeland finished 12th overall and 4th in the Topper class. George Hyett finished 9th overall and 2nd in class.
The Roger Manwood School was overall tops for the year. First on the day were Tom and Oliver Goody in an RS200 . Second was Meia Harnett and and Elin Harnett in a 420. Third overall was Michael Calvert in a Laser Radial, and 4th were Seb and Alex.

The adults chickened out Sunday - or it could have been a hangover from the BBQ !

 

Seventeen boats battled a lack of wind especially up the river and worse, temperatures in the high seventies ; no joke in a sweaty wetsuit for a long period !

Ed and Sarah Styles in a Buzz from Downs club were first to the quay , but lost on the return to Simon Cory and cadet Alex Lane in an RS200 from the same club.

With the bit between the teeth Simon Cory with different crew Clare Hansell managed to win the Norman Atkins Trophy on Sunday again in an RS200 . It was a general handicap race with the best two results to count of three races.

They beat over twenty boats with two wins, but there were many retirements in the feisty SW's.
Second, and running the winners close, was Nigel Cureton in his Contender with one win and a second.
 

Thursday was a Tuesday times two. The difference being the floodlights came on even earlier and half the fleet had to be towed in.
There was a slight breeze in front of the clubhouse allowing a small block of boats to finish.
Others were stuck behind an imaginary line towards the pier. Chris Shelton finished the slow in 1st, Rob Freeland 2nd the windless specialist (you can invite him to dinner parties) in a Laser.
Surprisingly Tony Cook won the 'fast' in a wind-loving Contender, Richard White and Martyn Styles 2nd in an RS400.

Sunday for those who love moving was business as usual, there was a SW3 occasionally 4 but shifty and tapering off at the end of 3 hours of racing.
Simon Cory visited the race in his yacht Blue Mooney and supped coffee, plus 90 swimmers from
St,Margarets Bay swept along in close, just in case you thought it was nice to get away from traffic on the water !
Richard White and Martyn Styles won the fast in Sunday points 7 in an RS400, Eric Styles and 'Sam' 2nd in a Hornet. Chris Shelton won the slow pushed by Frank Catt in his Streaker.

Sunday points 15 kept the same fleet of 21boats . This time Frank Catt got his revenge, with Husband and wife duo Rob and Julia Freeland 3rd in a Laser 2000.
The fast winners remained the same but Nigel Cureton's Contender took 2nd.
The most interesting aspect of the day for the casual observer was the battle of the Lasers. Ben Hills won the 1st race but was forced to 4th in the 2nd. A rare visit to a single hander for John Cass improved on his 2nd in the 1st to win the second race : Julia Blackman will be very proud!

The small group for the' Commodores cup' on bank holiday Monday had a fine sail in busy conditions. Katie Restall who specialises in weird cup races dominated for 1st, a venerable Eric Styles 2nd and a venerable twice over, Ed for 3rd. Where were the cadets ? Did they know they would lose?

Tuesday the 30th was a repeat of last week with its lack of wind. Against all odds on a shortened course everone recorded a result. Frank Catt had no doubts about the evening and deserved the win,Clare Hansell and 'Sarah were 2nd in an RS200. Ed and Sarah had a stunning 1st , though they were the only fast boat.
 

The visions of people having to be towed in proved unfounded, and it became one of the most unusual sails of the year. There was no tide rip and the gentle SSW just kept boats moving like a cine film in slow motion.
It became an exhibition of skills, including bizarre body positions, feet hanging over sides, noses pressed to bows etc.

Simon Cory and Alex Lane in an RS200 won the slow, Frank Catt 2nd in a Streaker. Ed and Sarah won the fast, Chris Stubbs plus crew were 2nd in an RS400. Sebastian was 3rd in his mother's RS600, though there were only 3 boats .Yes, he did capsize at one point.

Thursday had more wind and drama and more boats. Another rescue boat had to be launched as 3 boats were down for ages. Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt lost a rudder assembly, Rosie got fatigue, Heike and a friend's daughter went turtle much to the worry of the mother on shore. But it was all smiles, such is the good nature of sailing.

Chris Shelton won the slow in a Phantom, Seb and Danie Juden 2nd in an RS200, Angus Bradley
3rd in a Laser. Ed and Sarah won the fast, Richard White and Martyn Styles 2nd in an RS400, Tony Cook 3rd in his Contender despite going over.

The 'Friday Club' was the best ever, in delicious conditions for beginners, the Darts were out and everywhere there were whooping children.
 

If that wasn't enough Simon Cory was hoping for some of the magic dust to fall on him by having George as crew the next night in the 'Bank Buoy Scramble'.
You guessed it, this paid off by grabbing a joint 1st with Ed and Sarah. When is the last time there was a tied finish ?

With no sailing on Thursday and no Friday club, Sunday was billed as 'national beat George day', but he failed to show !
The last day of the month provided sunshine and 3-4 Southerlies, a reminder that it is still summer.
In a smallish field 2 Hornets battled it out in the fast race (Sunday points 4) Eric Styles and 'Richard' beat Mark and Clinton Styles. Simon Cory and Zara Brazil took the slow in an RS200 from Frank Catt in a Streaker.

Summer points 12 had a increase in wind and a fierce tide rip which favoured the Contenders of Tony Cook 1st and Nigel Cureton 2nd.
Simon and Zara held their own in an RS200, with Roger Philips and Neil Boswell 2nd in a Laser 2000 with Frank Catt 3rd in a Streaker.
 

Thursday the 21st July saw Northerlies that increased through the evening.
Simon Cory and Seb Hansell won the slow in an RS200, John Sharvill and TimWaite were 2nd in a Laser 2000, proving that this is their best year. Rob Freeland's Laser was the first single hander home by a mile.
John Cass and Julia Blackman had a rare win of late in a Buzz, Eric Styles and strange crew
Martin Wyman were 2nd in a Hornet. Richard White and Rick Clemence were 3rd in an RS400.
As for tittle tattle, well Phil Halldron's recently repaired Streaker was tested to the limits upside
down to Walmer, and Phil Peach snapped a rudder pin and went out of control, as if going down a whirlpool !

Regatta week started in earnest on Saturday with the infamous Vancouver cup.
There were certain mutterings about the course as usual. Chris Shelton did his stuff, Mark Styles
and Clinton Styles were 2nd in a Hornet. Simon Cory and Clare Hansell were 3rd in an RS200.

Deal Regatta handicap races on Sunday meant no rest for the bridge crew with 2 out of 3 races to count. Twenty seven boats took part in gentle Northerlies.

Winners of the fast handicap were the unusual duo of Mitch Webb and George Hyett in an RS400, with two wins, beating Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt with a 1st and 2nd same class.

Slow winner was Chris 'Tex' Shelton with two wins , Simon Cory and Natahan Brazil ( fresh back
from something ) with a 2nd and 3rd.
 

Only Thursday 14th July had any action. A small field had to brave a nasty swell from the latest storm and there were plenty of mishaps launching and landing.

Rob Freeland was forced to retire with a lacerated chin and there were numerous capsizes.
Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt managed to usurp Richard White and Martyn Styles in the battle of the RS400's. Chris Shelton the sailing demigod did admit to a slight capsize, shock horror, but still beat Simon Cory and Seb to 2nd in an RS200.

Performance of the evening must go to Clare Hansell and her exhausting battle with the RS600 or coined the 'devil boat' at other clubs. She managed to register a result ! This could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

The Friday club had a good session, and amidst the adult learners the cadets managed the 2nd of the cadet races. Toby Freeland won and was rewarded with having to tow his boat by hand home for his weekend of activities.
 

Tuesday 5th July was business as usual for Chris Shelton after his shock defeat Sunday, Frank Catt was 2nd in his Streaker. John Cass and Julia Blackman won the fast in a Buzz, having come third so many times lately. Ed and Sarah were 2nd same class.
Thursday points 10 had a gloomy start but 21 boats in the end had a great sail. Chris Shelton was 1st of course , Simon Cory and Seb Hansell were 2nd in an RS200, Clinton and Martyn Styles were 3rd in a laser 2000.

Ed and Sarah got revenge on John and Julia in the fast, Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt were 3rd in and RS400.

Twenty three boats started the 'Queen Mother Cup' on Sunday. There was a lot of bawling shouting and belching (nervous) and boats colliding. The SW 3 was not exactly exciting and nor was the result Chris Shelton 1st.

Summer points 10 had 28 boats in a short race but with a hideous end. The wind picked up to provide a delicious sail especially further out.

Twelve boats were finished prematurely after the shortened course flag was raised by mistake, though no hooters were sounded.
Is the hooter all important,? Are the flags? Will Roger go beserk as one of the victims ?

Half the slow fleet were wiped out, and some strange finishes given to others. Chris Shelton won the slow and Nigel Cureton won the fast in his Contender.

Racers were treated to the strains of 'Land of Hope and Glory' from the memorial concert at the1st mark which seemed to cause ever more determination with plenty of collisions.

There seems to be a lack of 360's and 720's these days observed a stickler of the rules female sailor whose name begins with' R'.
As a reminder of more civilised days, the total highlight was the Spitfire and Hurricane low over the club twice-the noise was to die for.
 

Thursday summoned lovely F4 easterlies with a chop on the water, yet bizarrely it would suddenly drop to zero near the finish !
Out of 21 boats 13 were unable to finish, some getting completely bored and walking their crafts back.
They should have had a snooze like Rob Freeland the 'drifting king' for a whisper rose and he finished 1st across the line but 2nd overall to Chris Shelton in his Phantom. Spare a thought for Rosie who was the only boat to cross the finish line before the wind dropped, she did lack laps though, but it was another 40 mins before Rob crossed the line. Could she have got a 1st ? Does anyone care ?

Ed Styles and Judy Restall's Buzz won, Mike Heeley and Mark Hall were 2nd in an RS400
(could there be a new combi here ?) John Cass and Julia Blackman were 3rd in a Buzz.

Sunday was a typical, glorious, sparkling sort of day but with grotesque twists. Firstly the race was delayed through lack of wind, then a lovely brusk SE got up. An evil tide spoiled the second race somewhat and there was a computer meltdown so there are no results yet for Sunday Points 2 the first race of the day, oh and a difficult landing.

Summer points 9 had the Contenders successfully scything their way through the riptide to take the first 3 places. Alan Mollatt 1st, Mr. Buttner second , forename lost at present, though perhaps it should be Lawrence of Arabia with the brilliant head gear and Tony Cook 3rd.

Guess who won the slow ? Clue he wears a stetson from a recent holiday, 2nd was Roger and Atticus ina Laser 2000 and 3rd Alan Mollatt in a Blaze, which to me looks a bit like an RS600 but with the picture of a bubbling pizza on the sail. Talking of which Clare, the other RS600 was out there again.
To me the highlight of the day was the sheer beauty of the Contenders being lovingly hoisted ashore by teams of helpers. Water glistening on the mahogony decks- what a sight !
Also the patience and dedication of club pro Tim Evans who nursed Rosie around the course. Could they get together more often please ?????????
 

Thursday Points 7 had brusk southerlies and a larger fast fleet than slow which has been rare of late.
Richard White and Martyn Styles won the fast in an RS400, Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt 2nd, same class. Steve and Katie Restall won the slow in an RS200, Chris Shelton fresh from herding steers in Texas was 2nd in a Phantom.

Friday Club and the Cadet Trophy race had an excellent turn out in superb conditions F3 SW.
The only ugly sight was old 'Capsize king' Kevin tasting salt water 9 times. 'The ropes are like spaghetti and the sail is always, always on the wrong side of the boat' was one quote. The children sailed brilliantly by contrast.

Sunday had the aptly named Sunday Points 1 followed by summer points 8.
The club had a gentle murmur even a hollow feel, like a church one might visit on a foreign holiday,
with a moment to spare......The reason being the 'Round The Island Race ' at Cowes, reduced the boats by half.
Well they missed out in their hired tubs for the conditions were glorious. Hot sun,F4 southerlies finishing 5, and a sinister sea mist added interest for the fast fleet at long range.
Sunday Points had Chris Shelton going beserk rounding each mark with a 'Yeeeeha!', to win easily. Roger Philips and Danie Juden were 2nd in a Laser 2000, Rob and Peter Freeland were 3rd same class.
The result would remain the same in 2 hours of sailing for summer points except Jeremy (Commodore) poached 3rd in his Laser and his best result of the year.
In the 1st fast race Tony Cook won in his Contender, Chris Stubbs and Steve Restall 2nd in an RS400, John Cass and Julia Blackman 3rd in a Buzz.
Summer points saw Tony slip to 2nd, Ed and Sarah pinched 1st and the RS400 went down to 3rd.
 

Ed and Sarah brought the motley fast fleet home in a Buzz, Chris and Helen Stubbs were 2nd in an RS400.
Friday's Ladies' race with cocktails was cancelled with raucous winds and driving rain. However club pro Tim Ellis and able assistant Ed Davidson ran a cosy theory lesson for the cadets.

Suddenly commodore Jeremy announced to the adults left afterwards an impromptu curry evening, wife Julia dressed in a sari, served cauldrons of curry with dulcet Indian music to bemused guests who had only turned up for a drink. Apparently it was a late birthday meal for Jeremy and the generous celebrations carried on till the early hours brilliant.

The KSSA meet at Dover was cancelled with gales yet again, but miraculously Sunday was spared. 'Let's get Racin' 6 went ahead at the last minute with George Hyett's Topper making this competition his own. Eric Styles and Ed Davidson used the race to launch their blistering attack to win Summer points 7 in a Laser 2000. Frank Catt could only manage 2nd in his Streaker, Seb and Clare Hansell were 3rd in an RS200.

Richard White and Martyn Styles won the fast in an RS400, John Cass and Julia Blackman were 2nd in a Buzz, Chris Stubbs and Rear Commodore Rick Clemence 3rd in an RS400.
The Contenders were never really in the picture with the strange gusts around the marks and the dead patches. Worryingly for Clare a mysterious RS600 arrived with a Brian Whitman. He looked very good, fell out once briefly, and finished 4th - watch this space.
Rumours abound of a RS750 arriving at the club....things are getting mighty racy lately !
 

Thursday slow winners were the dream team from Tuesday. Who was 2nd ???????
John Sharvill and Tim Waite's Laser 2000 are claiming the coverted spot Roger Philips and Rhian Juden are claiming foul.
Ed and Sarah made it a double for the week in their Buzz, Nigel Cureton's Contender 2nd John Cass and Julia Blackman 3rd in Buzz.
Saturday at Redoubt for the juniors had ideal conditions with a wind cranking up for the afternoonfor the more daring.

Sunday the 12th hosted 'Let's get Racin' 5 after a theory lesson from Martyn Styles. George Hyett's Topper was 1st , Toby Freeland's 2nd. John Cass and Ed Davison were 3rd in a Laser 2000.
With and increasing southerly 4, with spots of rain in warm air, boats started going over.
There were some ugly scenes in the lower orders, Phil Clashing with Rosie in a mast fencing match.
Rosie's sail and mast were cut, Phil retired with a lower mast problem, not before Phil Peach had collided damaging his bow and putting a blue stripe along the white hull.
Eric Styles and mystery crew romped home in a Laser 2000, Frank Catt 2nd in his Streaker though he did fall out on lap 5, blink and you would have missed it ! Roger Philips and Rhian Juden were 3rd in a Laser 2000. Tony Cook took revenge on recent losses in his Contender for 1st the others seemed inverted for most of the race, Richard White and Martyn Styles were 2nd in an RS400, John Cass and Julia Blackman 3rd in a Buzz.
 

Seb Hansell and Alex Church took the slow in an RS200, Frank Catt 2nd in his Streaker, Phil Peach claimed a personal best for 3rd in his laser Radial.

Chris Stubbs and Dave Webb's RS400 won the fast, Chris Dutton and Martin Wyman 2nd in a Buzz, Tony Cook 3rd in a Contender. There was the first outing of Clare Hansell's new RS600, with a handicap to rival an A-class Cat . Apparently it is a cross between a Phantom and a torpedo boat- that's speed not age.

Thursday's NE 3-4 was a tester with 20 boats . Rob Freeland arose to the challenge in his Laser to take the slow, John and Sophie Catt 2nd in a Laser 2000, but performance of the day ( as pointed out by them ) was Tim Waite and John Sharvill in a Laser 2000.

The fast had a record 4 Contenders on the water. These leviathans of the deep took 4 of the top 5 places. Nigel Cureton 1st, Alan Mollet 2nd and new member Richard Buttnor 3rd, Tony Cook was forced to 5th. Ed and Sarah had to retire after something 'weird' snapped -that's the boat not Ed.

A sign of summer was Brian Cory's 'A' class on the water but he was also forced to retire.
 

Thursday points 2 on the 12th May hailed a return for Roger Philips paired with Dannie Juden in a Laser 2000, Rob Freeland was 2nd in a Laser, Richard White bizarrely 3rd in a Phantom. Simon Cory and Seb Hansell 'buzzed' home in the fast, Chris Stubbs and Frank Catt 2nd in an RS400, Ed and Sarah 3rd in a 'you know what' which actually needs a 'T' cut on the red.

Sunday the 15th was a delightful sail in a chilly but sunny NW gusting 4 at times with a high water.
30 boats of 14 classes took part .
Let's get Racin' was a success , lectured and organised by Chris Shelton and schooled by new club Pro Tim Evans.
Summer points 3 had some bunched starts and a small fast fleet, this included a new Laser 4000 with new members 'Bev' and Michael. The slow fleet boasted a new class in the form of a 'Supernova' owned by Steve Stagg. It has a funky tail end and a Phantom shaped sail - liked the Elton John glasses !
Chris Shelton was indomitable in his Phantom putting theory into practice, Steve and Katie Restall were 2nd in an RS200, 3rd Simon Cory and Danie Juden same class.
Chris Stubbs and unamed crew took the fast in an RS400, Dave Webb and Mitch 2nd same class, Ed and Sarah 3rd,
Gossip of the day...... well no one capsized, Phil Halldron's lovely coloured Streaker took a nasty notch out of the deck from a Laser 2000. Rosie's bent mast made the sail so flat she almost went in circles. John Cass saved £200 postage on a new mast by driving for 8 hours and is buying everyone of the stalwarts a drink on the profits.
 

The Monday Easter Egg/ Marquis Medallion had perfect force 3 easterlies in the usual brilliant sun.
!st overall and 1st in the slow handicap , Simon Cory and Katie Restall.
2nd overall and 1st in the fast handicap Martyn Styles ands Richard White.
3rd overall and 2nd in the fast handicap Ed and Sarah Styles.
2nd in the slow handicap Steve and Judy Restall.
Boat longest on the water Phil Peach in his laser.