Club Fun Day & BBQ

A report on the day's events from Will N:

"Thank you all who took part in yesterday’s fun day in the rain.

For those of you who could not join us, the rain showers eased off sufficiently whilst we were afloat, and the BBQ was eaten within the club house in the rain. This gave those who had not been afloat an opportunity to get damp as the rain slowly percolated through our roof. Perhaps the structure exists just to keep the wind out.

Those competing were allocated, unfairly as it turned out, into two teams; red and gold. All boats were marshalled at the green buoy and then raced back to Methersgate with wind and tide. Out on the water were pairs of yellow perils, double mondegos, ladies doubles, junior ladies singles, men’s doubles, men’s singles, veteran men’s singles. After the sprint race, all returned to the green buoy for the slog for home. Whilst the intent was to start the boats in the sequence of slowest first, with previous race winners penalised by a handicap of anywhere from 12-20 seconds, the sequence turned out to be when pairs were ready: Go. (maybe the marshal was not that comfortable in a single in the choppy conditions). The lack of clarification of the finish line also proved somewhat problematic to the umpire. Malcolm, with children Alexander and Katherine, willingly assumed this role and ably chaperoned the laggards back up the river, but were unable to clarify who had won the individual pairings. Was the finish line in front of the sailing club, or when the boat was on trestles?

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and I think we have a format for future years, whilst still having plenty of opportunity for improvisation and improvement.

With numbers increasing from 23 to 39 less than 24 hrs before the event, catering was a little bit more involved than had been hoped with additional run around purchasing required. However, after costs and on the assumption that those who signed up but did not turn up will still pay up, as a bonus we should have raised a tidy little sum for the club. For those who have not yet paid, £5 please to Nicola.

The key of the day was to have fun, and I don’t think the weather prevented us from doing that.

Thank you all.

W"

And, just a few words to add from me...I'd like to point out that the teams were perfectly fair, but the 'gold' team was simply inspired on the day by shouts of "Go Team Banana" from their captain. Also, apologies for limited selection of photos...combination of rain, lack of batteries and failure to switch on the flash - oops :-(

Thanks to everyone for taking part, helping out and bringing their families along!