Because this was the first week of the month, a pursuit race was held. Each competitor left at 30 second intervals in order of their handicap.
Mike Sapsard (the Team15 racing coach) had the largest handicap and left first, with the clock starting when he managed to get both feet on the board. Steve and Wictor followed and were marooned as Mike sailed away up the lake. Unfortunately thereafter, Steve dropped his sail whenever he was in danger of catching up (twice) and eventually finished fourth.
On the first two laps the swans were peacefully upended, feeding near the tower presumably not noticing the furious sailing going on around them. However, on the last lap someone roused them and they took flight, overtaking the two illustrious pumpers at the front.
David Tiffin won, having gained 2.5 minutes, cruelly overtaking Mike just before the last buoy, and Mike came in seconds just behind him. According to Mike George, in an unaccustomed place near the back of the fleet (he won't volunteer to take the old Phantom again) they were 'miles ahead of the rest of the fleet!'
Annette eventually came in third and Steve fourth. The rest followed. Phil made up a few places, but admitted that Annette always does well in light winds. Barry remembered to do up the zips on his cams this week, but felt it probably did not make much difference.
As someone unaccustomed to being in the lead I rather enjoyed glancing at the long procession of sails behind, and now firmly believe that the advantage of sailing in clean wind is not a myth. Unfortunately, I have now wrecked my handicap and will never achieve second again.
I volunteered to produce the race report, but forgot to collect anecdotes after the race, so if you have anything to add, please email me and I will add it to this report.
Mike Sapsard
