Sailing Report – by RO Simon Chapman

With a wind chill making the temperature -3 and a forecast of a blustery easterly, it was with some trepidation that I arrived at the club to organise Sunday’s racing. I was hugely relieved to see that the committee boat was off the water and that there was enough north in the wind to be able to use the club line and the warmth of the starting hut!

With no Flying Fifteens sailing, it was the handicap fleet away first followed by Lasers and Solos. The course had downwind runs and reaches which made exciting viewing from the clubhouse and was appreciated by the sailors (with the possible exception of the RS 100 for whom the reach was too tight for his spinnaker). There was some particularly tight racing in the lasers with 4 boats contending the win. Peter Sherwin eventually came out on top. In the afternoon, the solos were the biggest fleet and our commodore, Rob Mitchell, held on for a very close win from series leader, Chris Goldhawk.

In addition to the racing fleets, the RYA high performance team were out in their 2.4’s and an intrepid group of Toppers were training under the watchful eye of Ellie Cumpsty. In all, a great day’s sailing. It is wonderful to see people making the journey from as far afield as Plymouth and Salcombe to join our Frostbite series which must provide some of the best winter sailing in the South West.

And a short excerpt from Alex Timms’ solo report: “With a wind chill factor of minus 2 and a stiff north easterly gusting up to a spine chilling 20 knots, today’s forecast was enough to put any sensible person off the idea of making it down to the Club today – but not our intrepid solo fleet……..”

On Wednesday a few of our younger members took advantage of half term to enjoy a gentle sail. Good to see a 29er, a Mirror and a Feva on the lake alongside the Wayfarers, training Lasers and a couple of Solos and Aeros. Most people judged it right and sailed before or after the cold rain. Indeed, in the afternoon a strong contingent from Bath University enjoyed some wintry sun.

 Power Boat Level 2 Course

The next 2 day course will be on March 25th and April 1st. Please email Jeff Stratford if you are interested, . There are other dates later in the year (see club calendar, contact Jeff to express interest)

 Coming Up

  • Look out for emails about membership renewal.
  • Solo fleet training & HPC 2.4 m training Saturday 18th.
  • Class race day, 3 race mini series, prizes on the day – forecast set fair (at the moment, Thursday) Sunday 19th.
  • How have the racing rules changed? Mike Johnson and John Smalley Wednesday 1st March, 7 for 7.30pm.
  • Past Present and Future, the story of Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club. Wednesday 22nd March. – details to follow.