Lord Birkett 2015.
On Friday night before racing, the mosquitoes sent the 5 Cherub crews who had made the pilgrimage north a clear message about the racing to follow for the next two days. Sadly none of the assembled fleet can read braille and there was no connection to the web to seek at translation. Now we are home I can confirm it was along the lines of "this is going to be a little epic".
Saturday dawned with no wind, even more mosquitoes messages and a forecast of a bucket of wind to come. The wind filled and the start was only delayed for 30 minutes, during which time a glassy lake turned into a healthy force 3/4. The 230+ boat mass start created some rather interesting outcomes, the least pleasant of which was for Poppy who was rammed by a cruiser on port and holed. During the predictable recall the cherubs all got a little swallowed and the wind built. Start 2 saw everyone away and Andy and Gill sneaking off into a healthy lead battling Shiny up the shore lifts. Poppy, Ronin and Banshee loosing contact a little. The wind built. By half way up the lake Poppy started to death roll in tacks from the quantity of water in her so I'm not really sure what happened to the rest of the fleet. It got windier and by the top mark (an island) Poppy and Shiny were within swimming distance - this was a mandated procedure as the force 5 was enabling boats to tack without changing direction. Shiny got up and away first, whilst Poppy floundered and then noddied on behind. Ronin and Banshee took a slightly different route home, retiring before getting to the last valley - probably a sensible idea. Usagi broke a tiller extension and had to retire on before the end of course dog leg. Shiny took the Cherub line honours and Poppy rocked home about 30 minutes later. Hero of the day Jay Williamson refusing to let a boat full of water inhibit race finishing.
Beer, sun, some pig, two fairly good bands and some more mosquitoes. The latter forcing most of the fleet into any place with netting and an early night.
Day 2 was a repeat course, but without the wind. Shiny got away from everyone and should have picked up a convincing win. Usagi and Poppy were close at the island, with Ronin and Banshee not far behind. However, on the way back down the lake Shiny overtook the wind and parked - allowing everyone to catch back up. Usagi blipped them when the wind filled back in, Poppy chased an imaginary gust and watched Banshee and Ronin sail through.
A fantastic event at a lovely club. The wind certainly favoured local knowledge and the people at the front of the fleet for both races. Next time we do this there should be a provision for heading up a day or two early to enjoy the venue a bit more.
Add results here, but I'm guessing a very well deserved win for Shiny
