MOB & WOW

Published 22:00 on 3 Jun 2014

What a great evening we had on the water last night, despite the looming black clouds and the treat of rain everyone made it to land relatively dry as there were no capsises. What a great idea of Peggy's to hold a race up to Mercury.

After a frantic start and much hosting at the start line, 2 fleets set of up river. The picos left first and were followed by the lasers and double handed dinghies. There was a steady following wind which was more than enough to overcome the outgoing tide. It was interesting to look around and see many ex--novice sailors who were making every effort to squeeze extra speed out of their boats by using the tips that we had picked up previously from instructors who had taught us, (centreboards raised, balancing boats, finding the wind) It was interesting As the 2 fleets merged, some needing to pass others through the narrow channel by the moorings. Others chose to enjoy the therapeutic qualities of Hamble River Mud, (you know who you are).

At the half way point, it was time to turn around and start working for a living with plenty of opportunities to practise our tacking and gybing back down the river. Sarah, who had led from the start was still leading, hotly pursued by yours truly. Unfortunately, Sarah had some technical problems with her trusty stead and I was able to slip by and cross the line in front of her. It appears that there were also technical problems at the finish line and the photo-finish camera and also the official race clock were no longer operational, therefore there is little information available on finish positions. I believe that Martin helmed the 1st double handed dinghy across the line to finish third.

I know that we all owe a huge "Thank you" to Peggy and Elaine once again for manning the safety boat. It is so appreciated that they both give up there spare time so that we can have all the fun on the water, without their help we would not be able to organise evenings like this.

Report Paul Veal
Photo Barney Smith

Last updated 10:20 on 9 April 2025