At long last GMYC have been able to run a Marblehead club race for the first time since 15 February 2020 and it felt marvellous, as the sun was shining and the gentle north-easterly wind looked very inviting. Getting the gear ready included a welcome for Charles bringing the keys for the new padlock, Peter Dunne for bringing the magnificent Elstead Cutter trophy, which he had held for 2 years, and Les Thorn who had enjoyed our last DF 95 event.
The various problems of the past year were put behind us and we are getting to grips with the technique of installing the new dismantleable launching platform, which this time we were able to ‘launch’ down the strings of the western steps, without getting into the water or the need for launching the rescue boat. This allowed us to launch the Marbleheads without any depth problem and to enjoy 9 good races.
We used the 2 usual northern blue marks and one leeward mark for the windward/ leeward course and decided that we would try using a ‘gate’ start, which was absolutely brilliant, not just because there was no need to set an accurate starting line or the novelty, but with the wind varying by more than 90° at some starts it provided much hilarity, where the gate boat on port was actually facing the wrong direction forcing the competing boats to panic to be able to cross the gate boat’s transom on standard.
Initially we started with just 3 boats, but Rob Vice turned up with CJ’s GRUNGE after the first race and then showed us the way round the course only losing one race to Roger’s UP. See the attached results. Whilst it was a tall rig wind, Roger started by using his C rig to try out his new ‘holdaback’ for the jib, which worked fine in the gusts, but was an embarrassing problem in the lighter winds leading to UP being ‘hove to’ and when stopped head to wind made incredible speed backwards with a bow wave off the transom! However useful lessons were learnt.
Rob was absolutely delighted to win and receive the beautiful silver Elstead Cutter trophy, which he had always admired, but never won.
Abbey Meads Lake showed itself once again to be a great place to sail, and we are hoping to attract more new members to come, sail with us and enjoy the venue. See all the benefits that are listed on the latest ‘What is good about sailing at Abbey Meads Lake’.
Report by Roger Stollery
