Goodwin 9th - JOHN'S REPORT
Storm Freya loomed and the Thames was battleship grey. We planned a brief “round the buoys” with thoughts of early retirements. Five boats began to rig, not foolhardy but certainly hardy, reduced rigs all round for the Lasers. Allan & Steph’s acknowledgement of the weather was to take the Wayfarer but with a full rig. We set the usual triangular course but making sure that the gybe mark was in the shelter of the Barnes bank. They got away smoothly but anti-climax (!) it was not easy to get above the start and Sally got stuck and had to join the race as it passed. The wind rose and squalls developed, Jamie who was under the weather, found himself under the water too and wisely decided that that was enough and retired. Rounding the Putney buoy was difficult because the need to spill wind made it difficult to sail close hauled, the tide was fast and several boats needed several attempts before they got round. Even A. & S. needed two attempts but soon built up a half lap lead whic...