It’s that time of the year again when we Wednesday sailors and our partners get together for our annual Christmas lunch; this year held at the club on Wednesday the 14^th of December, but more of that later.

Tradition has it that quite a few of us sail over the Island for a small service and then sing a few carols for those who have left us and have had their ashes scattered on the Island. Was this year going to be an exception as the weather was pretty bloody awful and our RBH was in two minds as to whether we should put any boats on the water?

The initial problem was not that of too much wind, it was more really heavy snow making visibility difficult as well as the associated low temperatures that went with it.

Low and behold the snow stopped the winds seemed to remain constant at about 12 mph and so two Wayfarers and the “Black Pearl” decided to go for it and we made the Island with little difficulty – even if the visibility had closed in again the Island is to big a piece of real estate to miss and an even bigger thing to aim for.

Richard Thomas transported fare paying passengers in one of the RIBS whilst Phil Burnham brought up the rear with another RIB that was also laden down with passengers. However Phil, being very conscious of the water level and the severe criticism he would receive if he grounded the engine, decided to take the shallow route from the clubhouse to the island, he chose to walk across dragging the RIB behind him. (See photo).

In all there were 13 hardy souls who made the trip (for those of you who count these things - the 13^th is the guy behind the camera – Colin Shepherd).

All went well but then the rain and the wind swept in and the carol sheets, which are photocopies on A4 paper stapled together, got very wet; have you ever tried turning the pages of wet paper with heavy gloves on. In addition the print transferred itself to the rear of the adjacent page and that was why some of us were singing the words in reverse order.

A look over our shoulders towards the lake told us it was time to maker a quick exit especially as the strong wind that had suddenly swept in was an onshore westerly.

The Black Pearl was first to be re-launched but with very little free board, as can be seen from the photo, followed by the two Wayfarers with the two RIBS bringing up the rear. Sailing was now finished for the day and it was shower, change and to the bar for a warming drink; during which time my wife, Mary, acted as “Busk Conductor” leading all of the members in a more civilised Carol Service in the warmth of the clubhouse.

We were honoured to have the company of our Commodore – Mike Thompson – who introduced himself to the assemble crew. He tried to kid us that Father Christmas came to us in a Wayfarer dinghy; we were not stupid enough to be taken in by that because there are no chimneys on the clubhouse. We all visit Santa at the local Garden Centres. 

The meal, three courses and coffee, was prepared by Stoneground and, yet again, they did us proud.

Following the usual speeches and back slapping we all made our way home at around 16.30; yet again another success for the Wednesday sailors.

It just remains for me to say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” to those who read this on the Club website and, to those who wait to receive a hard copy – “Happy Easter”.

Brian Brooks (Wednesdays are open to all sailors who would wish to join us)