'Twas a bit windy

After such a rubbish few weeks of weather I was keen to go sailing again, as were a couple of families in the village. Organised the week before with no forecast, Sunday was to be the day, if the weather was nice. Dire warnings of " We're only fair weather sailors, James" were issued and hence by Friday night it was all looking very uncertain.

The BBC however, considered that Ipswich would be dry, sunny, although a tad on the windy side. So orders were issued. 10:30 Sunday, SYH, bring a picnic. Oh and your teenage daughters, otherwise my crew E and M will rebel.

SW 5-7 decreasing 4-5 later. Could be worse, it could be raining as well!

Down to the boat in good time, inflatable in the water, outboard on, very small crew in attendance, others yet to arrive. 11:00 all present and accounted for. Off to get the boat and then all aboard and away.

New reefing kit put into action, 2 reefs in the main, and the yankee half unrolled. Still plenty of sail. Whoops of delight from all, quiet consideration of all the risks by the skipper! Head up the Orwell towards the club for lunch, lee rail under, pinch round the marks a Pin Mill, bear away up the river for the club, sheets out.

Not enough! Lee rail under, rounding up hard, stanchions under, water lapping the cockpit coamings,  main let go, hold course. Hmm. Better pay more attention to the sails from now on.

Thanks to a younger crew member for this one, who, quite unperturbed by the angle, snapped the picture only moments after almost getting wet.

Alongside for the bar and lunch, and then on to the Orwell bridge and a dash back down the river, with the girls slyly on Pimms, while the lads completely failed to remember to get into the beer. Good sailing is rather distracting!

7:13 PM - Aug. 11, 2008 - post comment