Well, that was the year, that was … the last of the Tuesday IOM race days went off with bang, (and a splash and a howl of wind).  Five skippers braved the forecast wind, finding a 20 knot breeze straight up the lake.  With C sails nailed on, a start was made away from the worst waves in the middle of the lake, with a beat up to the red buoys and a run back down to no.1, round twice and then finish.  The first 4 races saw some interesting results: Peter and Gordon swapped places 1 and 2, Harry took four third places, and Tony and Terry took turns at places 4 and 5.  A quick coffee break and then back to racing.  With the wind even stronger, Peter managed the tacks and got the next four wins, with Gordon taking the seconds, Terry had to retire in race 6 with a broken servo arm, but Harry and Tony managed to complete all the races.  The end result was Peter 1st, Gordon 2nd, Harry 3rd, Tony 4th and Terry 5th.

The overal table for the series thus gives Derek the title, Peter Iles second and John Sharman third place.

I hope to see you all at the first of the new Jim Rose Bowl series on Saturday 7th November, then the second (short) event folowed by the Yachting section AGM on Sunday November 8th, when you have the opportunity to vote for a new captain!

Whilst Saturday had had a good middle-rig breeze down the length of the lake at Fleetwood, the forecast wind for Sunday’s Windsor Trophy for IOM sailors was a more gentle breeze from the southeast.   First arrivals at the club found that this was the wind direction but if anything it was less than gentle, with some big areas of smooth water in the lee of the buildings to the south of the lake.  By race start, however, it had filled in somewhat and managed to gain in strength somewhat through the day.  A two-lap course, trying to give at least some beating, was set and the thirteen competitors managed to make a reasonable job of difficult conditions, with swirls over and around the buildings giving some quite big changes in directions at times, as well as unexpected holes and gusts, leading to some “interesting” changes in order.  First place was taken by Peter Baldwin with his Britpop, although he didn’t have things all his own way, with the top five sailors all getting victories.  Second place went to John Shaman sailing a Vision, whilst third was Paul Middleton with his V12.  Thanks to Sharon and Ian for taking the scores and Derek for organising the prizes (and the toast).

There were 5 entries but very little wind from the South East.so tricky conditions. The scoring was 2 points out from the Clubhouse and 3 points return. Three heats were completed by lunchtime and the remaining 2 heats after lunch. Shortly after sailing was completed the rain started and the lake became flat calm.

Thanks are due to Bob Jolly, Eric Austwick, Sharon & Julie for looking after the Mates’ Bank. 

RESULTS

1st   “Gecko”             Peter Whiteside & Julie         15 points

2nd   “Mist”                Peter Iles                               12

3rd=  “Sovane”          John Sharman                       10

3rd=  “Nerenuf”          Tony Wilson                           10

5th   “Blue Bullet”       Keith Wiseman                       3

David Rose Shield Vane 36R 23rd August 2026

On arriving at the lake there was not a ripple on the water. At start time there was a very light wind from the North East. Again we had just 4 entries  as some of our regulars were sailing elsewhere. Part way through heat 2 the wind direction suddenly changed to North West and still very light. Round one was completed then it was decided to have lunch. Due to the very light, changeable wind and the appearance of lots of crabbers, it was decided to end the race at this point.

Results

1st     Gecko                    Peter Whiteside        13 points

2nd=  Nerenuf                 Tony Wilson                7

2nd=   Kozbok                 Alan Crawforth            7

4th      Sunset Strip          Harry Balderson         3

Thanks are due to Bob Jolly and Julie for looking after the Mates’ bank.