Sailing 30 June 2019 - Mike Hendra

For Sunday 30th June, things had started the week looking a little bleak. I was scheduled for bar duty and I received a Dutyman message that the AOD needed a swap so I willingly took the swap. Then at the club I found that there was no OOD and no Patrol Boat Coxswain.

On Monday I decided to take the OOD duty myself and search for an AOD and Coxswain when to my surprise I found that Colin Lea had volunteered for the OOD role using Dutyman. I had contacted Cheryl Wales and almost immediately she accepted so from several vacancies we had what I think was a great team.

Colin had hoped to start the day promptly at 11:00 but some maintenance on the patrol boat managed to delay that ambition by 9 minutes. Conditions were promising with a willing SW breeze so when racing started we had good conditions and several bums on boats. Conditions remained throughout with the odd challenge gusts and lulls through the morning so some good sailing was enjoyed by all without any need for rescue.

The fun event was planned around the RYA level three dinghy sailing courses Man Overboard rescue procedure. It was set up for Aquarius our patrol boat but was open for sail as well.  

Cheryl completed the course first, followed by several new members and finally Don and Graham. Graham actually tackled the course in a Bosun as well. I think we all found the exercise challenging but disappointingly Don and Graham were the only two long term members who were game to try their hand.

There was a good turn out for afternoon tea even though the OOD had not baked the cakes himself. The day finished with an exciting event which saw some edgy racing by the Lasers.

All in all, we had a good turn out of members old and new with those who wanted to sail managing to get a seat in a dinghy, thank you to those who provided the time and seats. Equally there were many new members who took the opportunity to develop their patrol boat skills so thanks to Cheryl.

As a Team Colin we had a most enjoyable day and we sincerely hope everyone else who attended did likewise.

Thanks for coming!