Aquarius Regatta

In their program the SigneT Association hold Open meetings at venues around the country and AQSC is one of the clubs visited.

This year, as in previous years, Frank Rainsborough’s race management skills were employed, he was ably assisted by Jean Maracchi.

The SigneT Open Meeting and our Regatta were combined on Saturday the 22nd June, the longest day, and for many it seemed like that. The sky wore the grey pyjamas of a British summer and the wind blew from the south west with an eagerness that threatened the fleet with some swimming practice.

The clouds were not thinned when Bryan reported that his trailer had been stolen and the clouds gathered even thicker when questions arose about who should man the patrol boat in the prevailing conditions.

In a rash moment I had offered to make a Cassoulet for the Saturday evening and for an Aquarius function I had spent a lot on money but the uptake was not promising. My intention was to prepare and cook at the club and I went with that intention.

Once at the club I was persuaded into a Signet and with the wind conditions, this made another dunking probable. Di and Helen took on the task of preparation so at least I had help. In the end the girls help was invaluable and I stayed dry through what was an exciting sail.

After tea, cooking commenced and with the smell of garlic wafting through the club the uptake increased.

In the end we served the magic 20 that always seems to support the impromptu events so I hit the numbers target exactly and made a £2.00 profit (if you don't count the sherry we supplied for trifle).

Jean complimented my effort with a vegetarian version of my French sausage stew and a wonderful trifle topped of with fresh strawberries and 20 diners seemed to thoroughly enjoy the meal. "Thanks for coming!"

Sunday

Sunday was just as windy but the wind was less shifty/gusty and the OOD Mike Baker and crew set out a very interesting course. The racing was very exciting with many of the crews enjoying a dip or two. In the end John Panting won the Personal Handicap Trophy and Richard Cannon took the (cup-less) Boat Handicap first place and forgot to tell anyone.

To finish, Aquarius Catering crowned a great weekend with a fabulous spread of sandwiches and cakes followed by strawberries and cream. None of the attendees needed dinner and many would not need breakfast the following day either.

Between cooking and eating I benefited from Nigel's marathon effort with the new shower. "Many thanks Nigel, good one!"