Sailing report, 27 January

As we near the end of January, the good news is that the taps have been turned on and the lake looks full to the brim. The less good news is the rather wet and dreary weather has taken its toll on the numbers of you sailing.

Frostbite am and pm points series – the most encouraging turnouts have been in the ‘Short Course’ fleet where our strengthening group of Fevas have been battling a lone Topper. Currently in pole position are Ted Lane and Rupert Clapham in their Feva – well done boys and keep it up.

Most of the fleets seem to suffer afternoon blues with fewer coming to the start line. With only two races thus far to count it is too early to predict the winners but hopefully more of you will start dusting off your galleons and join in. (And at last this coming Sunday’s wind forecast is good!)

The observant amongst you will have noticed our committee boat resplendent in its new blue anti-foul coat (thank you to Alan Coventry). The plan is for it to be re-floated next week in time for the University team trial weekend. The even more observant may have noticed that the large, white mooring buoy for the boat has completely disappeared – yes, sunk to Davy Jones’ locker I’m afraid. Two valiant attempts to recover it have failed so we may be dependent on a visit from the police divers before the boat can be safely moored on the lake.

Forthcoming Events

Saturday 27th January – the Club is hosting South West RS Feva training.

An Evening with Ian Walker MBE – Thursday 1st February 7:00pm

Volvo Ocean Race winner Ian Walker (photo: Matt Knighton / Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing / Volvo Ocean Race)

Whatever else you may be planning, do not miss this evening which promises to be amazing. Voted ‘Worldwide Sailor of the Year’ last year after winning the Volvo Ocean, Ian is one our most successful sailors and the only Briton to have ever won what has been described as ‘the globes most gruelling race’. He will talk about his early days learning to sail in a Mirror, his own illustrious Olympic and Ocean Racing campaigns, and the future Olympic potential of Team GBR. The target audience is inclusively everyone – juniors, racers and cruisers. A minimum donation of £5 per person to Ian’s ‘John Merricks Trust’ charity will be money well spent.

Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February – the BUSA South West team racing trials
We anticipate 20 or so teams of University students will be battling it out for a place in the finals in April. Much like the Bristol Brew, this is great spectator sport and the Club will be buzzing with keen students. Come along and enjoy the fun.

Saturday 3rd March – First Aid Course
An early warning for this which is an essential for all our current and potential Dinghy Instructors. You can apply via your Webcollect account.

Finally, in the very near future I think Rob Mitchell, our President, should have some excellent news about the protracted negotiations for our new lease….

John Smalley – Vice Commodore