Sunday did indeed dawn windless and grey, but during a well observed 2 minute silence the wind filled in from the west to give somewhere round the 5 knots we needed to allow the eager race officer to get us all underway.
The first race was a closely fault battle between Marmite, Riot Van and Ronin with much place changing during the 4 laps, at the bottom mark Riot Van had a boat length on Marmite, but during the frantic tacks for the line Paul stuffed his tiller extension up his life jacket and fell in, leaving the door open for Ronin to take 2nd.
The wind held for a 2nd race where a similar battle ensued. This time Marmite took it from Riot Van and Ronin 3rd.
The wind didnt hold so well for Race 3 where it dropped to Saturdays levels, a mighty battle was happening at the front between Marmite, Usagi, Ronin, E-Numbers and Sweet Dreemz, thankfully shortened to 3 laps Usagi took line honours from Marmite and E-Numbers 3rd.
Full results are here
http://www.queenmary.org.uk/SailResults/Open%20Racing%202012/20121111_B14%20&%20Cherub%20Inland%20Championships.htmThis was a fantastic event. 15 boats supports our increasing numbers throughout 2012, and for the first time we had more entries than the B14's.
In six races we had 4 different winning boats, first place was decided on discard (or count back or whatever it is called these days) and 3rd and 4th seperated only by a point - this underlines that Cherub sailors are getting more skilled and the racing is getting closer, all of which is fantastic positive stuff.
Things we learnt.
1. We should have a 97 rules trophy for the inlands (Sorry Joe, but you know if we'd done it, it was yours ) !
2. Some of the older boats can still turn it on big time, Sweet Dreemz in particular - first at the top mark more than once, beat me twice and dont think I wasnt trying ! Suicide Blonde also showed impressive speed in the hands of our new members Alex and Johnny all the way from Liverpool.
3. Anyone who ordered a Lamb or Chicken Pasanda has to wear a pink tutu next event.
My apologies for the bits I dont know/have forgotten, perhaps some others can help me.
