The VC reports:
Initially no wind at all greeted the seven boats that rigged. Andrew Murphy declined the weather offering, and Midnight Rog just christened Deffiant (3642) and kept his powder dry for next time. VC had an early rowing start (06.30 in London) so arrived for lunch at 09.30!
First race saw a swinging breeze – Both Firths has shockers, but fought back. First lap saw plenty of place changes, with the newly reunited Russians, John and Helen, Admirals Barge and Jnr Firth (who despatched Grandson Matt to the Topper as the breeze increased, grabbing a JYS teenager to ballast 3860!) all suffering the shifts! The Admiral gets 9 out 10 beats right , but the second beat was a major 10th!! Crew allowed the Barge to end up wide right and STONE last! Firth Jnr stormed away to win from John and Helen, the Russians and Steve Bell and Simon Sculion who are getting Black and Blue (3827) up to speed and a grumpy Barge grumbled in last. How did they lasso the mainsheet on one of the yellow mooring buoys today? Genius! Hmph!
Second race saw two 360 penalties BEFORE the start! Left paid again, and Firth Jnr got that right AGAIN! The other three had a race long tussle, initially the Russians and John/Helen exchanged places, but in a return to form, the Barge joined in a three abreast charge down the last reach – who did touch who? – and the Barge snatched second on the line from John/Helen and the Russians – all within about 20 seconds! VC then dashed off to work again – how well will he sleep tonight? – and Rog was left to pour champagne over his new vessel! Cheers!
If the warm sunshine continues – next Sunday could be even better! Come along and have some fun!
