17th March 2018 Report by Alan Smedley.
Seven hardy and dare I say handsome souls made the crazy decision to race their trusty Nips at Emberton this weekend, despite the uninspiring shipping forecast for the Thames area.
Gale Warning: issued 17 March 09:55 UTC North-easterly gale force 8 increasing severe gale force 9 soon; East 6 to gale 8, occasionally severe gale 9 until later; Rough or very rough; Snow showers; Good, occasionally very poor, occasional light icing in south-east.
Aiming to keep the wee yachts in a modicum of shelter, Alan Smedley set a course to the right of the sailing club’s North facing clubhouse, partially sheltered by trees and a low promontory. The two lap, triangle and sausage course, proved a real challenge for skippers negotiating the windward mark as the meandering gusts were frequently followed by frustrating lulls. But as the cliché goes ‘It was the same for all of us’ and as usual the smartest sailors made a habit of finishing first.
After 6 gruelling, finger chilling heats and looking like Oats after he had been ‘gone some time’ the sugar frosted contestants sought the comfort of a warm clubhouse and thanks to the thoughtfulness of Colin Davies we all enjoyed a hand warming cup of coffee to boost our spirits before battling the elements once more.
It is quite wonderful how these little boats survive the bow burying runs and knock down gusts that would leave many a DF changing down to a ‘B’ or ‘C’ rig.
After 6 more races the tummy began to rumble, time for lunch and time to reflect.
Option 1. Go back out into the driving snow and biting wind, make a perfect start, round the windward on the starboard lay line and finish well ahead of the fleet at the pin end, after all the next race was bound to be the one where ones luck would change and positions would be leapfrogged.
Option 2. Drive home in a nice warm car, relax on the sofa with a hot toddy (or your wife) and watch your favorite Rugby team, getting cold and wet.
With 6 skippers pondering the pros and cons, someone had to make the call. I think you can guess my deciding vote.
Seven hardy and dare I say handsome souls made the crazy decision to race their trusty Nips at Emberton this weekend, despite the uninspiring shipping forecast for the Thames area.
Gale Warning: issued 17 March 09:55 UTC North-easterly gale force 8 increasing severe gale force 9 soon; East 6 to gale 8, occasionally severe gale 9 until later; Rough or very rough; Snow showers; Good, occasionally very poor, occasional light icing in south-east.
Aiming to keep the wee yachts in a modicum of shelter, Alan Smedley set a course to the right of the sailing club’s North facing clubhouse, partially sheltered by trees and a low promontory. The two lap, triangle and sausage course, proved a real challenge for skippers negotiating the windward mark as the meandering gusts were frequently followed by frustrating lulls. But as the cliché goes ‘It was the same for all of us’ and as usual the smartest sailors made a habit of finishing first.
After 6 gruelling, finger chilling heats and looking like Oats after he had been ‘gone some time’ the sugar frosted contestants sought the comfort of a warm clubhouse and thanks to the thoughtfulness of Colin Davies we all enjoyed a hand warming cup of coffee to boost our spirits before battling the elements once more.
It is quite wonderful how these little boats survive the bow burying runs and knock down gusts that would leave many a DF changing down to a ‘B’ or ‘C’ rig.
After 6 more races the tummy began to rumble, time for lunch and time to reflect.
Option 1. Go back out into the driving snow and biting wind, make a perfect start, round the windward on the starboard lay line and finish well ahead of the fleet at the pin end, after all the next race was bound to be the one where ones luck would change and positions would be leapfrogged.
Option 2. Drive home in a nice warm car, relax on the sofa with a hot toddy (or your wife) and watch your favorite Rugby team, getting cold and wet.
With 6 skippers pondering the pros and cons, someone had to make the call. I think you can guess my deciding vote.
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