Category: Rally report

Following a very nice meal in the Wheatsheaf on Saturday evening was a windless wet Sunday. Racing was postponed untill Monday in favour of watching the Silverstone grand prix and Wimbledon.

Monday the wind was back and the racing was fairly brutal with short wave sets on the starboard tack beat that were at 45° to the wind. After the grind of getting to the windward marks the downwind legs failed to deliver the anticipated excitement. Perry managed the conditions well putting his sea sailing skills to good use. The series finished with Lindsey Weatherley third, Perry Milton second and Al Parker first. 

Tuesday dawned nice and bright with a pleasant North westerly light breeze. We had two personal handicap pursuit races, starting times calculated from Mondays  individual finishing times. Both races were closely contested, Al Parker winning the first and Mike Turner the second, both by less than 30 seconds.

Today is Wednesday, a couple of us are heading home, and the remainder are off for another sail cruise. We have had a great time here at Rutland Water, hosted by Rutland Sailing Club an excellent sailing centre. Many thanks to Perry and Wendy for organising the event and to Neil for running the racing.

Our next rally is at Chichester Harbour, hosted by Chichester Yacht Club 9th to 12th August. If you are interested in attending contact contact the Rally Secretary using the form at the end of the events section of this Web site. 

Two days in and there has been a dilemma, ” to reef or not to reef” with the exception of the Thursday night club race that two of us joined in with.

Friday 3 boats cruised over to the café where they were met by the “support crew” for lunch. One boat stopped to reef on the way, another furled the jib while Perry and Isobel went large all the way. The return trip was a challenging beat!

Saturday racing two reefed, one small jib, one big jib, big jib swapped for small after the first race. The water was lumpy and the winds 15 plus gusting 30, Neil’s photos tell the story. Three races were completed, results are yet to be disclosed.

Ullswater is looking good this evening, the weather forecast is sunshine all the way to next Wednesday and beyond.

If you would like to come and sail with the Tinkers already here you can pay to park and launch by the day at Waterside Farm Campsite, where we are staying. Currently the plan is sail cruise on Friday, Sat and Sun racing or free sailing take your pick. Monday a motor cruise. If you want to come it might be best to book parking and launching with Waterside Farm and if you could email me commodore@tinkerowners.org.uk just to give me the heads up.

There are 7 boats already coming it will be great to see a few more of you.

Alistair Parker

The Cotswold rally started with light winds on the Friday when those attending had the opportunity to setup their boats and get on the water to check everything was OK.

Saturday and Sunday saw racing during which nine boats took part in shifting winds. The results can be seen below

Monday saw the racing replaced with some fun and games on the water.

Racing results from the end of season rally which was followed on the Monday by some sailing games on the water.

We had a 10 boat turn out for the Chichester event this year and it was a pleasure to welcome three new members, Nikki, Sarah and Christine. The event was also extended to make time for some cruising on the Monday and Tuesday.

Below are the results of the weekend racing