ELYC Keelboat Regatta Report

Hamish Thomson won the keelboat class in his Medina 'Red Herring' and commented:

"Wow what a beautiful day to sail! Thanks so much to all the peeps on rescue boats, race committees and huts that made this day possible! Oh and a special thanks to the lobster pots!"

A fine day out; Maiden Voyage of the Kinsman.

A Classic Race report from a couple of classics, best read in your Peter Sallis - Last of the Summer Wine - voice.

Maiden voyage of the Kinsman having sailed superbly in the boat park for the last two weeks during intensive training which included removal of thermos flask top. Nerves jangling as neither Gerry Hughes nor Mike Rigg had put a big toe in the sea for years, but as was shown these old salts have still go it, not sure what but they got something.

1st race, on the way to the start line skipper says wind the keel down, err won’t go down . Tried persuasion with an anchor , still would not go down. Back to harbour for a sledge hammer, still won’t go down . Ah maybe we screwed those extra cleats on with through the keel box. Cleats off sorted, missed 1st race.

2nd race 2nd last round windward mark, but by the time we rounded the Craig we were into 2nd place, The helming if Hughes was brilliant only surpassed by the superb spinnaker launching and handling by agile Rigg who once had disposed of his Zimmer frame was lightning quick.

Finished a comfortable 2nd over the line but should win on handicap, assisted by Sandison yacht who kept trying to steal lobsters from the creels.

3rd Race

Poor start and it was follow my leader despite walking it round the end of the Craig cutting the corner., by Hughes.

Verdict

More fine tuning plus heavier sledge hammer needed. Plus the boys need an extra pair of hands to serve tea and coffee and to wind in the jib.

Due to exhaustion and an early night Hughes and Rigg couldn’t make prize giving to pick up the over 150 years combined age cup, which Rigg was so looking forward to as the Commodore’s wife had promised him a cuddle.

Always next year.

Mike Rigg.