With a fantastic entry of 13 Contenders at the 150 boat Oxford Blue we got noticed, which is what we wanted. Well done to everyone for turning up.
Half the Contender fleet was a bit of a shambles to be honest, me included since I only did one race then wimped out with the lurgy.
One famous heavy weather sailor arrived remarkably early for him, only to find a broken bolt on the trolley caused the trolley to embed itself in the hull. A brutal lesson on maintenance.
Another young sailor who will remain anonymous (but comes from the Burton region) overslept and did well to even make the start line. A lesson on sobriety and alarm clock maintenance.
A couple of others retired after the first race, which was a horrible drift, only for the breeze to immediately pipe up to give two quite reasonable races. Well the first race was horrible in all honesty. Being overtaken upwind by a floating chocolate bar (Aero). I’d never even heard of the damned things but there were loads and in 2 knots they’re really annoying.
Of those who stayed on the course, Stu Jones did the fleet proud by finishing 8th overall out of a huge fleet on a relatively small reservoir. Who said Contenders don’t like tacking?
Rob Smith, Nick Grace and Chris Howe all made it into the top half overall.
Having been to a few of these events now I’ve got to say they are fun. Its good chatting to other sailors about their boats and answering questions about Contenders.
See you at the Bloody Mary on Saturday (perhaps). With a forecast of 45 knot gusts I’m not convinced I’m going to make the trip, but maybe.
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