| Yesterday's May 1st Sailpast and lunch in the clubhouse was particularly enjoyable—I am sure most of you were there and would agree. If you were not there you missed a good event. Our congratulations to Arlene Dashwood and her loyal band of helpers. The NFS 'friendly' race in the afternoon was an unexpected pleasure. Some wind was present but not much at the 1330 start when about 16 boats crossed the line. Halfway down the harbour the wind filled in from the northeast sufficiently to allow for an enjoyable sail without any need for heroics. TIGGER J led for most of the race with SOUL DANCER (enjoying the freedom of her new folding prop) close behind. ELECTRA and ALACRITY were also closing the gap by Second Sister. The course was Welbury and home. There was a little excitement as TIGGER J rounded first and ELECTRA tried to cut in on the inside; no chance as Craig saw that move coming, ELECTRA stalled out and ALACRITY went round on the outside. The three lead boats were all very conscious of the roar of SOUL DANCER''s bow wave close astern. The second wave was lead by BLUE PETER with DERYN MOR and TINKER not far behind. LONE RANGER, CAT DANCER, BETHIA and KHADINE were in a bunch. The very elegant Tanya 37 RITA VERA was in there somewhere but I am not sure where. There were many new faces today and I regret I was too busy trimming sails to note them all. Many did not record times or know their rating so the results are very incomplete. In the sprit of the race being a 'friendly' we will simply ignore the known results and content ourselves with the enjoyment of a lovely spring sail. ( If you really need to know email me). Bob Jones |