Blog » Weekend Report from ECS

The third weekend for the East Class Squad always looked as though it could be breezy, what an under statement !

 Eighteen boats arrived to bright sun and 18 knots, followed after 20 minutes by cloud and 25 to 30 knots. 20 minutes later, sun again… Grrr.

 This pattern was clearly established and not expected to change for the day. Coach decided that it was worth a go and after a briefing on high and fast downwind techniques the intrepid sailors headed for the changing rooms.

 As the boats launched the breeze built, every boat gave it a go with differing degrees of success. All, however agreed that it had been an experience and had given them confidence. One team decided to ignore coach’s wise words to keep the coloured sail in the chute…. Upwind they went, made the bear away, hoisted the kite, went for the fill and BANG, down came the top of the mast ! Those following decided that discretion was the better part of valour.

 Ashore, an intrigued parent measured 29.8 knots on the slipway, only to be told later that this wasn’t at the winds peak.

 Lunch and story telling followed, the sailors went to launch for the afternoon session but wisely Coach called them back as 2 metre white horses appeared.

 Sunday morning, while coach was checking the weather, he noticed white horses in his mug of coffee and it was clear that sailing was not going to be possible.

 The sailors were split and circuits and event prep and helm/crew roles and responsibilities were covered. Finally the Fevas challenged the 29ers ( who hadn't  even got changed all weekend !! ) to a rowing race on the 4 ergo machines provided by Oakham. Ok, they lost but it was clear that the 29ers cheated.

 Here’s hoping for a bit less in 4 weeks time............Jonathan Lewis, Head Coach ECS