Report by Colin Davies.
A good turnout of 13 skippers assembled at Emberton Park Sailing Club on September 9th for Round 7 of the Wee Nip Medal Competition.
The wind initially was lighter than forecast and swirling from the SW, being affected by the trees and club house, which made course setting a little tricky. A straightforward triangle and sausage was eventually settled for, with an additional distinctive red warning buoy set on a patch of weed that had escaped the clutches of the "Emberton Queen" weed harvester. Unfortunately, before the race briefing could be given, a couple of over-enthusiastic skippers decided to give the course a try and assumed that the red was part of the course & inevitably had to be rescued. A few boats did fall victim to small pieces of floating weed in the first few races but as the event progressed the weed did not seem to be a significant issue.
On the beat to the windward mark the position of the red buoy did give an interesting choice to skippers of either taking it to port and thus going closer to the bank with the risk of fluky wind , or to starboard with a wide beat towards the spit and then a long starboard beat to the windward mark.
As the day progressed the wind picked up and shifted westerly to come directly down the lake, improving the beats and making sailing a bit easier. The position of the leeward mark also gave a challenging beat back to the finish line and places were frequently be gained or lost on this last leg.
The sky became progressively gloomier after lunch and there were occasional viscous gusts coming down the lake. Thunder and lightning were observed and it was decided to call it a day after 15 races. Thankfully everyone (except Rob Bell in the safely boat!) was safely packed away and relaxing in the clubhouse before a heavy shower arrived.
An enjoyable days sailing was had with the usual suspects competing for places at the front and a second distinctive group at the back. Unfortunately John Simmons had to miss the last two races so the result may have been even closer. Heading the latter group was Jeff Ford who was restarting his sailing after a sabbatical and who was giving a good account of himself with his first races with the borrowed "101".
Race honours were taken (for the second time this year at Emberton ) by John Burgoine, followed closely by John Simmons, Keith Coxon and Peter Jackson.
The Interclub prize was taken by Two Islands, followed in order by Abington Park, Hollowell and Emberton. The infamous "Murdoch" trophy was gratefully received by Geoff Raygada of Two Islands.
Many thanks to all those participating and for the super assistance given by Bob Luddington and Dave Pace on the scoring/gate access and to Rob Bell for mark laying and occasional rescue duty.
Note from Peter Shepherd
This years Wee Nip has really come down to the wire with four skippers still very much in contention for the series win along with another two with an outside chance. A lot now depends upon how the size of the fleet for the last event of the year at Hollowell SC on the 21st October, assuming the normal sized fleet (9-13), the anyone out of John Simmons, Geoff Raygada or Peter Shepherd could win with a race victory, however if John Burgoine was victorious and John Simmons managed only third then John Burgoine would be the winner. Needless to say the race team will have their calculators at the ready!Come along get involved enjoy the spectacle.
A good turnout of 13 skippers assembled at Emberton Park Sailing Club on September 9th for Round 7 of the Wee Nip Medal Competition.
The wind initially was lighter than forecast and swirling from the SW, being affected by the trees and club house, which made course setting a little tricky. A straightforward triangle and sausage was eventually settled for, with an additional distinctive red warning buoy set on a patch of weed that had escaped the clutches of the "Emberton Queen" weed harvester. Unfortunately, before the race briefing could be given, a couple of over-enthusiastic skippers decided to give the course a try and assumed that the red was part of the course & inevitably had to be rescued. A few boats did fall victim to small pieces of floating weed in the first few races but as the event progressed the weed did not seem to be a significant issue.
On the beat to the windward mark the position of the red buoy did give an interesting choice to skippers of either taking it to port and thus going closer to the bank with the risk of fluky wind , or to starboard with a wide beat towards the spit and then a long starboard beat to the windward mark.
As the day progressed the wind picked up and shifted westerly to come directly down the lake, improving the beats and making sailing a bit easier. The position of the leeward mark also gave a challenging beat back to the finish line and places were frequently be gained or lost on this last leg.
The sky became progressively gloomier after lunch and there were occasional viscous gusts coming down the lake. Thunder and lightning were observed and it was decided to call it a day after 15 races. Thankfully everyone (except Rob Bell in the safely boat!) was safely packed away and relaxing in the clubhouse before a heavy shower arrived.
An enjoyable days sailing was had with the usual suspects competing for places at the front and a second distinctive group at the back. Unfortunately John Simmons had to miss the last two races so the result may have been even closer. Heading the latter group was Jeff Ford who was restarting his sailing after a sabbatical and who was giving a good account of himself with his first races with the borrowed "101".
Race honours were taken (for the second time this year at Emberton ) by John Burgoine, followed closely by John Simmons, Keith Coxon and Peter Jackson.
The Interclub prize was taken by Two Islands, followed in order by Abington Park, Hollowell and Emberton. The infamous "Murdoch" trophy was gratefully received by Geoff Raygada of Two Islands.
Many thanks to all those participating and for the super assistance given by Bob Luddington and Dave Pace on the scoring/gate access and to Rob Bell for mark laying and occasional rescue duty.
Note from Peter Shepherd
This years Wee Nip has really come down to the wire with four skippers still very much in contention for the series win along with another two with an outside chance. A lot now depends upon how the size of the fleet for the last event of the year at Hollowell SC on the 21st October, assuming the normal sized fleet (9-13), the anyone out of John Simmons, Geoff Raygada or Peter Shepherd could win with a race victory, however if John Burgoine was victorious and John Simmons managed only third then John Burgoine would be the winner. Needless to say the race team will have their calculators at the ready!Come along get involved enjoy the spectacle.
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