Racing on a Blustery Sunday 4th February

Published 10:21 on 6 Feb 2024

This Sunday there was a good wind across the river. Race Officer Charles Fox set a dogleg course with some good lee-bowing action in front of the Club. In the Blue Race the Enterprise Captain managed a 'stupid' capsize when attempting to roll tack whilst in contact with the top mark. He was very disappointed not to compete in the White Race. The conditions brought improved turnouts in all fleets.

In the Blue Races the winners were Merlins: Peter Impey and Carlos, Enterprises: Chris Rowsell and Teresa Burton, Laser: Tom Low, N18 Alison and R Cooper.

Bunching around the Lensbury mark, caused by a lull in the wind, led to some interesting upwind legs.

The course was lengthened for the White race. The wind seemed to get more flukey and gusty. That brought a few more spills.

In the Merlin fleet Richard Harris and Emma Mcdonald in Passing Cloud lead throughout, second and third places were closely contested by Joe McLaughlin and Sean Roberts in Lady Anne and Andrew Harris and Lyra Wade in Crescendo. The former were second. This was their first outing of the winter. David Baker and Barbara Adams in Chimp were in the mix to start with but dropped back, still well ahead of the rest of the fleet.

In the Enterprises: Chris Rowsell and Teresa Burton won, after mixed fortunes throughout the race, with lots of place changes.

Jon Redding came out in the White Race and won the Lasers from Tom Low. The two were neck and neck most of the time, but Jon got well away in the last round.

The Coopers in National 18 Zephyr were delighted to get out, and OOD Charles Fox was disappointed he couldn't go out to play in his National 18 Genevieve.

Thanks to Charles and the box/patrol boat teams: Robert Blakeborough, Carolyne Vines, Florian Krueger and Stephen Lucas.

There was a good crowd back in the clubhouse afterwards, relating their thrills and spills over a glass or two and a sandwich.

Thanks to Josie and the staff for running the bar and kitchen.

Report: Marcus Chavasse and Carolyne Vines. Photo: Carolyne Vines

Have a look at the Tamesis Facebook page for great photos from Chris Wade

Last updated 18:38 on 25 April 2024