Streaker Ramblings: Streaker Ramblings - Elford Numbum Races 11 & 12

Generally overcast with high grey and dark grey skies with the odd patch of blue sky poking through, a strong westerly wind but no rain as we left home for Piddinghoe this morning at 09.00. The Windguru forecast for Newhaven was 32 knots at 10.00 decreasing to 29 knots by 14.00.

Laurence Venus(Streaker), the RO for the day and Rupert Smith (Byte CII currently) as safety boat helm were two of the first arrivals and Laurence soon set up a course, more in hope than anger. The wind was whistling through the rigging of the boats in the temporay berthing area - at least force six - and there were waves breaking on the eastern shore.

Waves in the distance

Alan Simmons (Streaker) took one look, after checking the safety of his boat, and saw that the conditions were a bit too vigorous for him and joined Bett Simmons whilst she took photos of the intrepid (idiots) who were about to set out on the water.

Nearly Does It!

An inspection of the boats berthed down the south side of the pond discovered a dinghy - possibly once an Enterprise - which not having been tied down securely had somersaulted across two other dinghies, damaging them on its way - which was in several pieces (of Matchwood) the largest of which was a bow section.

Michael Veale and Mike Rosier arrived fully dressed for a blast and started rigging their RS200 soon to be joined by Charlie Gribble with his full rig Laser. Whilst these two were readying Matt Springall also arrived and after debating the wisdom of taking part in the race eventually decided to go afloat. Jasmin Sayed also arrived but was dissuaded from getting her Laser 4.7 rigged.

Done

The RS pair finally got their boat on the water with some difficulty and were joined by Charlie. Several dashes across and up and down the pond were enjoyed by this pair along with several capsizes between them. Rupert and Bill Wates(Laser full rig) as crew took to the water in the safety boat but Charlie decided to pack it in before Matt eventually got afloat.

He also had a good thrash about but with several spills and since only two boats were afloat at the same time all hope of racing disappeared and was abandoned for the day.

As we left Piddinghoe the wind seemed to have dropped a little but there were still vicious gusts across the water. Hopefully next Sunday will come with a tad less wind and more boats about.

Alan.S 1700