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Your News & Views
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18 September 2006
Fast Cat News
Hi,
Autumn Series
Summer has flown by and here we are facing a new Autumn Series. Due to the tide pattern, it is quite a short series this year, with only 18 Races over 6 Sundays. Anyone mounting a challenge for silverware has as much chance as anyone at this stage - but you'll have to get started in the first couple of weeks of the series! Colin and Mike were only one point away from leveling the Champagne series, so it's getting tight at the top.
As expected at holiday time, sailing turnouts have been on the low side during the Champagne series - it would be good to see the regular half dozen or so return for the Autumn series, before we go into hibernation for the winter.
Penmeanmawr Round Puffin
We have also been invited to sail at Penmaenmawr on 1 Oct, when they will re-run the Round Puffin Race, for our benefit. That is a non-sailing day at Dee, so we have a great excuse for a full day of sailing in the clear waters of Conwy Bay.
F18 Nationals
Three 'Dee' boats competed in the F18 Nationals (if we include Jon Dayton and his Hawk).. Ali and Jonathan (Jenkins) did best at 28th, with Mark and I at 37th and Jon and Steve Higginson at 38th. Someone had to show the Olympic youth squads taking part what club racing is all about, and we fulfilled that role admirably. Not least by a start line capsize and consequent demonstration of sailing blind as your best glasses find a new use in an aquatic optical illusion theme park, enhanced by the application of independent steering as your con bar fails to prevent you leaving the boat during the capsize, choosing to part in the centre, thus releasing the tiller extension to venture forth on its journey to visit said aquatic theme park, and not forgetting the subsequent appliance of a bronze "through hull flush fitting" in combination with the trusty paddle (again!) to effect the repair of the broken con bar. Not yet satisfied with his role as teacher of topics not covered by the RYA, Mark rounded their education with a second attempt to be lost at sea when he leapt overboard (willingly I might add) to clear a tangled sheet from a rudder - they will now know that this is not a good idea in a F5, if indeed it were a good idea at any time. The first yard of separation must be the most frustrating as tides and wind compete with your desire to narrow the gap - and win. Never mind - it gave me the chance to sail his boat solo, which was really quite pleasant, so much so that I 'missed' him on the first pick up and had to go round again to enable him to climb aboard.
Mark has had the opportunity to write his own report of the F18 Nationals, but has failed to deliver thus far. So beware, as web editor, I will eventually write my own version of events (which, being documented, becomes the truth).
Colin Takes a Dip
So how did the Champagne Series end? Colin had a three point lead with three races to go on the last day. We would have to take a point off him in each race and make sure we won the last race, and so being equal on points we could win on countback. The conditions were F5 and choppy as the 10m tide came in against the wind (too much for the IC Open - they all stayed on the lawn with beer in hand, but I have to say I think they liked it there). Ideal conditions for Colin and Mike, never known to capsize and revelers in the stronger conditions. Less ideal for the Spitti perhaps... except we'd been out the day before in the same weather and found we could cope, even with the kite up, and that the water would flatten off for the second and third races. Colin was clearly intimidated by the Spitfire's flying display in the first race, and leapt overboard in disgust soon after finishing himself. He claims he fell while inspecting a damaged batten pocket, and I guess we should allow him that delusion. Not content that taking a dip would give us sufficient advantage for the second race, Colin fully immersed himself so he could rinse the suncream from his brow into both eyes, multiplying the soreness already resulting from sea water spray to the level that Colin could no longer see. Mike hadn't realised how helpful Colin was being, so made his own contribution to their joint downfall by sailing their boat off to a safe distance before capsizing it, thus narrowly avoiding any possibility of getting Colin back on board in time to compete in the second race. Thank goodness we have the Autumn Series lined up...
Round Hilbre Series
Fast cats also took 1st and 2nd in the Round Hilbre Series, with Jonathan helming both races that finally counted as the series, to give White Tiger overall victory. Colin & Mike were consistent, with second spot again!
Which raises a question - do we want to have a Round Hilbre Series next year?... Let your fleet captain know what you want.
Simon
Tell us what you think - your comments, contributions and photos are very welcome.
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