Saturday brought near perfect conditions for a leeward/windward downriver race to Battersea Park with a steady breeze and beautiful sunshine. However there were a couple of lessons for those on the safety boat:

1. Check you have enough fuel before you leave.
2. Ensure your wallet is on the boat.
3. If you are unfortunate (read ‘stupid’) enough to run out  of petrol make sure you do so by the Ship Inn at Wandsworth Bridge. There are steps  up to the pub, the crew can enjoy a pint and the BP garage is two minutes away – green petrol can + 5l of fuel = £12.
4. Once refueled it takes a few minutes for the fuel to pump through the engine so be patient….
5. On arrival back at the Club wear facemask to cover your embarassment.

Here endeth the lesson.