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Saturday May 26th
Wind, sun and lots of members, sailing, windsurfing or just watching. Some photos from Saturday 26th May. Thanks to Hazel for driving.
Scorpion Open
8-9 October 2011
Scorpions with a speckling of grey sails mill about aimlessly awaiting the start, on grey water under a grey sky, dampened by a grey drizzle.
The race officer tries to decide where to put the windward mark as; pendulum like, the wind swings from North West to West and on to South West and then back.
Mark set, the boats cruise the line looking for the favoured end, crisp white jibs flutter as “GO” nears.
A gentle first beat, then a hint of more wind and the leader almost planes, but the hint was a tease as the wind decreases to a strong zephyr.
As the second races approaches some heave to and others have a relaxed reach as the windward mark is moved.
The drooping wind sock is reflected in the mirror like edges of the lake, they creep round slowly as the wind dissipates, the gate is moved and boats drift to the end.
Outside the Scorpions wait patiently, inside wet cold disappointed sailors hang around in small groups dissecting the races, quiet conversation interrupted by shivers and then applause as the RO abandons the third.
Sunday
5am: A still warm morning, Colin curled up by the TV.
Not a wind and not a sound apart from a dripping tap and a solitary halyard.
To the west, the orange glow of the city whilst to the east, two pairs of vertical red lights at Staythorpe and a plume of steam from the sugar factory, are the only signs of life in the real world.
5.30: A faint pink stripe signifies the awakening dawn, accompanied by the gentle creek of the marquee; twitching burgees indicate a whisper of wind.
Outside a solitary bird begins the dawn chorus soon to be joined by more.
6.00: The air is warm and sticky almost tropical the illusion helped, by the conservatory magnifying the light rain into a monsoon. I hope it clears and makes way for wind.
6.30 The cleaning gnome makes a welcoming cuppa for the Food Fairy, then she’s back to her domain preparing breakfast for the yet to wake campers.
The silence of the predawn is replaced by the sizzle of frying bacon and Abba on the radio.
The notice board reads:
10.00am Start, 3 back to back
Most notice, some don’t.
More wind, but not lots.
A faster sail and better races for all, close duels the length of the fleet, from first to last all work hard.
Tired, pleased people leave the water with trolley dollies of all types to help.
Tea and “Cow Pats”!! Refresh and refuel.
Prizes for many and a speech for one, ends a weekend of challenge and fun.
