Spring series race 1 and 2

Published 18:06 on 22 Apr 2025

The end of the winter is finally over, the first race of the season was here, with winds of 20 mph

gusting 25, at the extreme or top end for most dinghy sailors. Darren's app told him the sea had 4 foot

swells, it was true.

Some keen Osprey sailors turned up and others were press-ganged into helming and crewing with 3

craft making the start line, with Lawrence helming James boat with James on the wire, Richard

taking Evan into a new world of wild wet trapezing and Graham helming Antony's new boat for the

first time in let's just say very windy weather.

Pre start was pretty exciting for all three crews getting to grips with the wind and not least the

waves, the start gun went with all boats close on the start line. Graham and Antony made it around

the first mark and shot off on a close reach with the boat humming, Lawrence said after as they

followed us around the mark "James full power" they just accelerated. James was swinging forward on the

wire, which caused a capsize. It was so windy!!! They righted it pretty promptly and started on the pursuit of Richard and

Evan. Impressive!

Richard had some rudder issues, Evan had some initial trapezing issues, they too had some capsizing

issues but when going well, were really going well. Great to see.

Gybing out at sea was very scary, trying to catch the wave, trying to stay upright, but then leg three

was a broad reach catching a wave and rocketing on the plane with spray everywhere, absolutely everywhere.

What a great first race, from initial trepidation to wonderful exhilaration, that's sailing, bring on the

rest of the season.

Race two was not run.

Results on the web site - see you on the water.

Last updated 18:08 on 22 April 2025