What a difference a week makes – as Kevin goes from Last to First…
Sumptuous sunshine ensured a scintillating Spring sail at Attenborough SC on Wednesday evening. Twelve seasoned sailors, succumbed to the sheer seduction of the Series 1 on Wednesday, as the wind filled-in in time for the start gun, just after seven. Four Phantoms fought it out, to see if fortune really did favour the fearless. Similarly, four SuperNovas sought to see who could escape the clutches of The Principal Ray Kemish in his Rooster Rigged Laser and Jeff Marshall The Marvel in his Radial rigged version. The magician Malcolm Davidson in his Comet and The Scavenger (Roger Day) in his Gull completed the fleet. Connie the committee boat was once again in the thick of the action, providing a clean windward start line in mid-lagoon, expertly positioned by Mr & Mrs Smith in the Safety Boat. Pre-start, Jonathan Adams had requested ‘extra time’ to get to the line… but clearly had no need for it, with all but his transom over the line at the ‘gun’. Similarly, The Scavenger got too excited by the thought of stealing a march on the fleet, only to circle around Connie to re-start at the back of the queue. Meanwhile, The Phantom Phairy Duncan Adams, used all his finesse ‘backing his main’, to slow his early approach to the line, enabling a clean start and to go on to take 1st Mark honours, from Kevin Milton , once again sporting his flame-red shorts, aboard his fiery Phantom.
Close racing continued, with the groups of four, joined by the various interlopers, whom they could not shake free from. Whilst the sun continued to shine throughout, the wind was not so consistent, with Duncan Adams losing a clear 1/2 leg lead as he died in the doldrums, around Buoy 1 on Lap 3 to Paul Kelly, only to regain it on the second half of the ensuing reach to Buoy 3. Meanwhile, The Scavenger tried hoisting his ghoster of a spinnaker, only for the wind to shift enabling him to reach, rather than run, that leg.
Those clearly punching above their PY weight included Kevin Last, positioning his Nova amongst the Phantoms; Jeff Marshall’s Radial amongst the Novas and The Magician Malcolm closing his Comet on them all the time.
As the sailors returned their boats to the compound and retreated to the balcony for well earned refreshments, the sun continued to shine its cool shades on them and the clouds. Nick Turnbull-Ross was heard to compliment PRO Peter Hampshire for “the second best course of the season”… well it was only his second race of the season! So you’ve an excellent backhand Nick Turnbull-Ross! What’s your forehand like?
Why don’t you join them next Wednesday?