Sole Bay Race

The days main event is the Sole Bay race. This is a triangular course with a variable number of laps so the slower boats can finish with an average lap time without delaying the start of the next race. This is important since we have to be back in the harbour before the ebb runs too fast out of the river.

We get into a good position for the start, but two boats miss the start line and end up on starboard tack across our bows so we have to slow down. Pretty soon we are in the back rump of the race but we make some good decisions and round the windward buoy at the front of the stragglers. We get all the way round without being caught up or lapped by the fast boats. The downwind leg is very long and we decide a cup of tea is possible on the next lap (not sure this is really the racing spirit).

We make a real hash of the windward buoy second time around, taking three goes. The kettle goes on but they have moved the next buoy. Our concentration is shot. We get round this one but make another mess of the one near the pier.

They give us the gun as we pass through the line. Technically this means we finish first! But of course we have only done 2 laps and the folks right behind us are finishing their third!

We do OK in the second race but Patient Griselda, who we beat in the first race, have found their form and shoot off ahead of us.

The weather is just perfect for sailing, probably a steady force 5, sea state slight. Full sails including topsail all day. Wonderful. Now we just need to work out how to make her perform to her potential.

Prize giving, raffle and music at the sailing club in the evening. Alison wins a raffle prize and we get a pack of wooden bungs - something I've been meaning to buy.