A total of 19 boats ventured out onto the Thames for the event. They were greeted with a gentle wind and intermittent sun  on a warm day.

The race Committee (of at least 20) decided to delay the start as we expected the wind to pick up and give everyone a run to approach the turning mark to be laid at Battersea Bridge, and the fact that tides were running very late on Saturday.

The boats were all on the water and milling about when  the 4 minute hooter sounded. The expected downwind start, as is the way in Putney, turned out to be a beat, come close reach. 4 lasers and two solos got away well with everyone, even Will and Alex clear of the line.

2 lasers at the front, were having a luffing match at times, allowing the rest to keep up. The patches of wind were their twisted norm, and give opportunities for big gains, with luck being a key factor. A few gaps opened out but these always close in the various wind bands on the downriver races.

The turn mark, laid by Des, was perfectly located with the tide not quite turned for the lead boats as they careered towards it in some new wind. Richard decided to clean his sails just before rounding. Some are suggesting a hose would be better suited though.

The lead boats slowly crept away with lots of tacking up the North shore. The lifts and headers had to be played well and a bit of luck again never went amiss. The wind came in quite nicely near the heliport and Ship Inn, so no one stopped for a beer, although SBSC were confused as to why a decent pub should be passed without stopping.

The wind dropped again allowing the rear fleet be be seen again in the rear view mirrors but not close enough to catch anyone. The lead three lasers by now were getting slack water and Renato crept clear only to be pipped on the line by Jakob, and a few seconds later Alex crossed 3rd. Sadly for them, all downriver races have to be won by a Solo. Its a local rule! Brian and Nick W, in Solos pipped them all on corrected time.

The white lasers kept arriving to the dismay of the race officer as they were all on a broad reach and some numbers couldn’t be seen…. provisional results can be found here – awaiting times for a six unidentified lasers.

Boats were stowed and everyone adjourned to RSC where a chicken curry was served with lager as the club does not stock Cobra…

Thanks to everyone who attended and for helping make a great day.

The Chef

Brian