On a wet and wild Sunday morning, 11 crews admirably turned up to rig their boats and get onto the water.

The wind was a rather shifty F3 which picked up whilst racing was underway. An Amroth-Monkstone-Harbour course was set by the OOD and the five minute countdown began.

Unusually, the first leg of this race was a reach rather than a beat. The first lap was completed very quickly as the wind enabled everyone to fly around the course.

The second lap got a bit hairy with a few people capsizing due to increasing wind strength. After an amazing first lap, several capsizes meant Rosie dropped from fourth place to sixth!

The Graduate with Malcolm and new crew Thomas also took a dunk, as did John in a Laser Radial. At the end of one lap, Jo in her RS100 did a spectacular nosedive over the line! The Feva finished after the second lap and Malcolm and Thomas retired. The other boats all continued to do a third lap. Overall, Ed in the RS100 came first, Maurice in the Contender was second and Keith in his Laser Radial came in third.

Despite the increasing wind, seven hardy souls stayed out to begin a second race. The fastest four completed another three laps, however two retired during the second lap because the wind was getting a bit too much. Consequently, five boats finished the race, with Maurice in first this time, Keith in second and Ed in third. Huge thanks as always to Dave and daughter Bryony on OOD, and Mark, Trish and Paul on safety cover.

On Friday, we had the first social sail of the year. Several boats got out onto the water, including trainees from this year and last year. The wind was good and the weather was lovely. Social sails are a great chance to have a play in different boats, so Lloyd had a go in Ed’s RS100, which is a bit more technical than the Laser Radial that he is used to! Consequently Ed, according to Lloyd, was ‘very lucky to have a go in the Laser!’

The bar was open after sailing and the football was put on the big screen so people could go and have a chat in the clubhouse once they were off the water. Overall, a lovely evening was had. Social sails happen every fortnight due to the tides, so the next one will be on June 29.

Finally, there is some exciting news to announce! On Saturday, Dan and Jess from the rowing club got married, with their reception held in Trefloyne Golf Club. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and we wish the happy couple all the best for the future!

Racing continues next on Sunday at 3.30 pm.

However, unfortunately this reporter will not be there because I am doing my Gold DofE canoeing expedition on the River Wye!

Enjoy the race!

Gypsea Girl