And the Lord looked down upon the multitude and was amazed. What could cause such vast numbers to gather on Brogborough’s shores, was it perhaps the mating season for windsurfers?
Was there some convention of Mariners that was about to take place?
Or was it just a balmy Thursday night and everybody wanted to race? Whatever the reason a record number of windsurfers (23 in all) had converged on this vast body of water, all champing at the bit to do battle.
The Lake Manager was seen flying about like a headless chicken, trying to summon up enough boards, so that everyone could take part. As fast he found them more sped through the gate demanding a steed on which to perform. All manner of craft were resurrected in a desperate attempt to meet the demand.
Finally off they ventured to the far left of the lake where the start line was situated, though I must admit that there were some that stood little chance due to the nature of the beast they were riding.
The start line resembled the M25 on a bad day as everyone jostled for position. There was little or no chance of getting clean wind as all the deranged butterflies flapped their wings in an attempt to at least get some forward movement as the start whistle went. All started on starboard tack and it was only the bravest that dared tack and attempt to run the gauntlet on port. Those nearest the victim screamed abuse in the shape of “STARBOARD” Those not so close joined in as it seemed a fun thing to say!
Halfway up the beat things started to sort themselves out, and it came as no surprise to anyone to see Helium Mike forge into the lead, behind him there was a bit of a battle. Eeyore 1 (not to be mistaken for Eeyore 2 that was munching on a large thistle on a very damp and gloomy Primo) was having a slight difference of opinion with Sig (stick insect Graham), well nothing new there then. Rounding the top mark saw Helium start to pull away. Marc Spillar was having a stormer in second place despite only sporting a 7.8 sail. Yours truly had thrown off the advances of that demented wood insect and broken free into third. And what you may ask of those further back, well frankly I haven’t a clue, but fortunately camping next to me as I write this on the lakeside on a sultry Friday night is Mr Andel who was situated in the middle of the pack
So I will go and inquire, back in a minute!
Right I’m back! Apparently there was quite a tussle between Mark Maryan (new to this racing lark) John Andel, Simple Simon, Chris the Foreman and Mark Fowler (returning to the racing scene after a prolonged lay off). Simple Simon got over excited and fell in, John Pojd sem Andel failed to make the mark and instead of rounding it decided on the ramming technique in a vain attempt to eliminate the top mark. While all this was going on Mark Maryan forged away, with the Fowler in pursuit! What in God’s name is the Fowler doing, his harem lay scattered way behind him. Surely the Mighty Mark wasn’t taking it seriously? God help us all if he is, for that would be the end of Brogborough racing as we know it!
Behind this group came others, all having their own private battles but your intrepid reporter for once in his life was too far ahead to see.
The laps rolled by and Mike continued to lead, now hotly pursued by yours truly. Mike seemed to be having a bit of a weed problem and stopped twice to relieve his craft of some over friendly vegetation .
(I had spent the day strategically placing large clumps of weed round the lake, don’t you just love it when a plan comes to fruition!)
On his second defoliation, he was horror struck to see the opposition was upon him. The beat up the penultimate leg was tooth and nail. And Mike had to settle for second place behind yours truly as we rounded the top mark (what has the world come to?) But I was no match for Mikes pumping ability on the homeward run and had to settle for second place (Ahhh glory so near and yet so far!)
My offspring pumped his way past Marc and Mr Boulter for third place. Marc did amazingly well considering the sail size he was using to come in fourth. The old master Mr B came a very creditable 5th (two old age pensioners in the first five, there’s life in those old dogs yet!). Sixth place went to Eeyore 2 with Marc Maryan managing seventh. 8th place saw Sig come cruising in craving for yet another banana. Simple Simon had returned to his board after a short swim (well it was hot) and settled for 9th. Mighty Mark came in next and still racing, obviously his enforced time away from his harem had had an adverse effect.11th came Chris with Pojd sem just behind. 13th was Annette having fought tooth and nail to work her way up the fleet after a disastrous start.14th saw Geoff the Miller come wandering in slightly bemused by the whole event.15th came Wiktor. “Hey Wiktor look! there’s loads behind you, things are looking up!”. Then came Keith and Jo with Mike Sapsard still trying to grasp the intricacies of Thursday night racing.
Tony
