Chew Valley Lake under a ‘super-moon’ (photo: Lucy Chard)

Sailing Report

With Christmas almost upon us, the Winter points series reached its climax last Sunday under the control of Race Officer, Andy Scott. He tells me the highlight of the day was the afternoon race for the Flying Fifteen fleet. There was lots of place changing which culminated in Ian Cadwallader and Russell Abrahams arriving at the finish line overlapped; Russell took the race win and the Winter series (from Ian) with a perfectly timed luff which gained him a 2 foot advantage. With spectator sport like this who needs the Americas Cup!

The Handicap and Flying Fifteen fleets had a prize-giving on Sunday when their Force 4 vouchers were distributed to the worthy winners. The new Force 4 trophy, a rather splendid mounted barometer which will be awarded to the sailor amassing the greatest number of points over the year’s series, was presented to Andy Bones. Hopefully knowing the air pressure will not help him too much – as his year’s points tally shows, he needs no help!

The hardy group of sprightly sailors that gather at the Club on Wednesdays held their Christmas lunch with carols on Denny Island last week. I asked that trusty wordsmith, Brian Brooks, if he would write a line or two to tell the story; read his article in the news section of the website: A Christmas Carol without Scrooge.

Events (and non-sailing dates) for Christmas and New Year

There will be sailing as usual on Saturday 23rd, but please note no duty team on 24th and 25th.

Tap Trophy Race. Tuesday 26th starting at 13.30. There is no better way to work off that second helping of Christmas pud than to join in the fun on Boxing Day. I will be the Race Officer! I still need volunteers to help with this please – a brisk drive in a RIB, with maybe the occasional rescue, is sure to keep you in the Christmas spirit for another day….

Resolution Trophy. Monday 1st starting at 13.30. This is the perfect remedy for that New Years Day hangover. Keith Harris, our new Club PRO, will be taking charge and we have some volunteers to help him.
Please, even if you are not planning on getting your feet wet, come along and enjoy the spectacle of these seasonal regular events and what is invariably some good company.

There is general sailing, no racing, on Sunday 31st.

Normal service is resumed on Sunday 7th January with a Class Race Day. Contrary to the billing in your sailing calendar, this will be a ‘normal’ 3 Race day for all the fleets.

From the Commodore and Committees

Helen Martin asked that I add in:

1. “On behalf of the Directors, Flag Officers, General and Sailing Committee members, I’d like to wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas and great sailing in 2018. Do wrap up warm and join in the race on Boxing Day and New Years Day, always very sociable and jolly.”

2. Security alert. Please be vigilant and do not to allow access to Contractors without an appointment. All legitimate contractors will have an appointment and will know who the contact person is. That contact person will be at the club to meet them.

Finally…

I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and good sailing in 2018!

John Smalley, Vice Commodore