The day dawned bright and sunny and after a cup of tea at the club 11 or so skippers took to the water for racing in 3-8 mph of breeze. The windward leeward course was long as we used the only available marks and racing was up and down the shoreline so we could get plenty of steps in as well as a good view of the boats.
Hugh McAdoo orchestrated our racing as well as sailed, to ensure we all kept in step. Racing was very competitive and close and if you blinked or missed a wind shift you were stuck in the pack.
My interest was on how Craig's and my Alioth would perform in the light conditions and we were not disappointed. Coming off the start line I was pleased to see we both equal to the others or had an edge on speed.
We did not keep the results as this was friendly informal racing and there were wins for the Alioth, V11 and Britpops. So we packed in a useful 3.5 hours of racing and tuning in the morning. Datchet is an excellent venue. If you are in the vicinity why not try sailing at the club. IOM's sail every other Sunday. Marbleheads sail on alternate Sundays. Tea and bacon roll for starter followed by excellent racing
There is more development to do this week. I have a new suit of sails to measure in and test and lots more practice to build for the ranking event at Eastbourne and then the Nationals. The new rudder has proved itself in light wind and a breeze.
The only unknown is the impact of a low boom in serious chop. Hoping for a breezy weekend soon to test it out.
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