We haven’t had one of these types of sailing days in a long time. Rain and no wind to speak of, at least not enough wind to start a sailing race. Boats participating today (bobbing around in the water and getting wet that is) were Momentum with Barry, John Ray and Greg aboard, Serenity with Wayne, Daniel and Richard Lech aboard.
We thank the duty crew of Richard Hipsley and Shaun who hung about trying to figure out where to put buoys and the starting lines getting gently soaked in the process. Eventually the little bit of wind there was vanished and by 3 pm it was time to call it a day. It would not have been easy making a decision to abandon the race, but from the après race talk back at the club we were all grateful for the duty crews decision to call it quits.
Never the less, from the crew of Froufrou perspective, we had a great day. The inclement weather demonstrated some good point for being a board a TY in such weather. Crew members not needed on deck (translated to everyone but the skipper ) could seek shelter below. That provided the crew with an opportunity to boil up the kettle for a cupper. We didn’t have any milk for the tea so had to add a dash of whisky. That was enough to warm our soggy bodies for a while at least. Once the abandonment hooter was sounded TYs were able to putter around and help other competitors with a tow to shore. No wind meant they would be left out in the middle of the lake to paddle home. With all the towing back and forth we ended up getting back to shore at about the same time we would have if we raced.
When everyone was safely back ashore, packed up and in the warmth and shelter of the sailing club we looked out onto the smooth surface of the lake. It was still a fun day puttering around on the glassy surface of Lake Illawarra enjoying the company of your sailing buddies.
It goes without say then that there are no sailing results to report this week.
May I just bring the Presentation Night 13 May to your attention as its the TYs turn to host it.
The theme is “Under the Sea” so I would very much appreciate you assistance to set the venue up prior to the night. Will discuss further this coming Saturday sailing date.
Only 2 more to go including Saturday and that is the end of the season.