Bevington Downriver 7th August - Jane Stanton-Humphreys' report

Sunday 7th August 2022

RO and SB1- Jane SH and Sina, SB2- Alex D and Lucy

A hot sunny Sunday late afternoon race with a forecast of NE wind 6 knots gusting 16. As usual quite changeable when on the water!.

The competing sailors Elaine and Ellie (Lasers),  James, Jakob and Allan (Solos)… plus at RO’s discretion (a one-off) and with SB team support  Michael and his non sailor guest Karan in a trusty ENT.

Sina provided delicious cupcakes for the race briefing enjoyed by us all.

Perhaps a contributing factor to our keen sailors being rigged and ready to go when the start bell rang at 15:30. And off they sailed with some wind behind them.  A slow and steady race with James, Ellie, Allan and Jakob in contention.. then Allan found some wind and surged ahead.

Then a call from SB 2 to say “no bung in the ENT”.. they couldn’t find the bung (pointed out afterwards) But luckily SB Lucy carries a supply of bungs  (!)  Hey presto the ENT set sail once more.. however as they were lagging behind. The decision was taken to beach the boat near Wandsworth railway bridge. Michael and Karan then joined team SB 2 for a trip to the finish line at Battersea Pagoda.

First over the finish line: Allan (16:07:07) then Ellie (16:07:50), James (16:10:03), Elaine (16:10:11), Jakob (16:12:13).

Second race started at 16:30 with keen competition and sailing tactics used by all especially James, Allan and Ellie.  As you’ll see in the photos and videos shared on the club whatsapp chat group.

The ENT sailors seemed to enjoy sailing back from where they had beached the boat to the club, with some tips from Alex.

First over the finish line: James (17:33:36), Allan (17:36:04), Ellie (17:36:48), Jakob (17: 38:54), Elaine (17:43:09).

On corrected time the Solos had it: 1st Allan well done! Driving all night from the north of Scotland and winning the race! 2nd James and ,3rd Jakob who stated afterwards that Solos are not for him!

Thanks to all for making it such a fun but competitive event.

Jane SH

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