ESC 2024 Season Concludes with Boxing Day Races
Published 18:06 on 26 Dec 2024
And with that, the 2024 sailing season is wrapped up.
Despite a less than promising forecast, there was a gentle breeze across the lake for the 2024 Boxing Day races for the 2 boats containing 3 happy sailors. A sadly smaller turnout than last year but still lots of fun!
There was a thick mist across the lake when we arrived, and we slowly defrosted from our long winter's nap to rig the boats and remember which way up they go! Is that an outhaul or a downhaul or a... it's something! We don't sail for most of the winter; it's too dark and too cold. Except Boxing Day - but remember, most rules don't apply at Christmas!
Thankfully, wetsuits still fitted, and we layered up nice and toasty to brave the lake with Edward in his Laser Radial and Ian & Catherine taking out a Comet Versa. Whilst only 2 boats took to the water, there was plenty of activity at the club with Pauline & Emma coming to watch, Tim & Jash swinging by and Alan coming to dig a hole :0! As well as the wonderful Paul who was keeping an eye on the day.
Paul and Tim got to work setting a course and we think they were still feeling festive with their red, green, red, green, red pattern of marks with an a-line start beating up to 7 then a gentle gybe around 5 over to 4, down to 6 where, as usual, the wind was nowhere to found, and back round 2 and across the a line for the next lap. We aimed for 3 laps a race but with light winds and slightly chilly conditions, the race officer shortened the course after 2 laps, each taking about 20 minutes.
There was a definite south-east-westerly wind, but the boats really got going at points with the Laser Radial and Comet Versa definitely benefitting from a stronger and more consistent wind than predicted, especially for the first race.
Despite harmonious starts, Edward gradually stretched out his lead with some... brave... roll tacks and whilst the Versa sailed well, it wasn't quite enough to beat Edward with the 2 boats finishing close together for race 1.
A little warm up inside for a natter, some tea and to thaw out and then we decided to embark on a second race and make the most of the day. The wind continued in a south-east-westerly direction (yes, we do mean that, it was definitely all 3!), but it started to peter out for the second race. The wind and mist did a beautiful dance with wind only when there was mist!
Edward just managed to make it round marks 4 and 6 before the wind died and he utilised the last few breaths of breeze to sneak across the finish for the second race before the wind really dropped, and Ian & Catherine were left having a very serene sail through the last run (more of a stroll) to the line.
Overall, a lovely day of sailing in good company that blew away a few cobwebs and bought lots of smiles. Bring on the start of the 2025 season!
And of course, well done to Edward on his first place.
Last updated 20:45 on 26 December 2024