Streaker Ramblings - Freeman Iceberg Races 9 & 10 - 29/11/2015

On arrival at Piddinghoe this Sunday morning it was fairly obvious that there would not be any racing. With cold grey skies and wind whistling through the rigging of the nearby berthed boats – a good indication of force 6 plus, from the north west corner of the pond and breaking waves on the eastern shoreline, where the Fishermen were facing into the teeth of the gale – there was not a great showing of interest.
Michael Veale and Mike Rosier turned up determined to go afloat in their RS 200 – no matter what the conditions. Laurence Venus was also there but he was to be RO for the racing – should any take place. Rupert Smith (Streaker) arrived but wisely  decided to stay ashore and a little later Tim Cox (Laser Radial) also arrived but, without any other competitors available, also stayed ashore. Yours truly had looked at the forecast and with my lack of mobility had no intention of trying to sail anyway. Laurence eventually decided to abandon any racing and Rupert and Chris Turner heaved some of the safety boats ashore after bailing them out.
The two Mikes however got the RS 200 rigged and went afloat – for a great sail  as the pictures show  - with a fair bit of spray and hoops of delight. How they would have fared having to negotiate an actual course around the pond is another matter.
During their first session they did capsize at least once but regrettably there is not a pictorial record of that occurrence – some’ nearlies’ though! We did not stay to see how they got on after their brief stop ashore for a hot coffee.

Hopefully next Sunday will have a bit less wind and permit some racing to take place with now four races lost to extreme conditions.

Alan.S 1700