SATURDAY, MAY 11 - 16:49:52 Mablethorpe Beach is infamous for its tricky sailing over banks and large pools of water and this weekend's regatta is no different says Gareth Rowland and Chris Wright.
Chris reports: "Racing today was fairly entertaining. The usual rough beach requiring compulsory snorkels. The beach has three banks with most sailing down on the No. 3 bank nearest the sea. Trouble is Len [Len Warren, the Sailing Master] puts the turning mark on Bank One.
"You come flying down Bank No. 3 and think, must be near the mark by now and cross over the top, burst through all the loose sand to see what's on the other side and, 'Oh how inconvenient, 3ft of water!' and you get a refreshing bath on the way through."
Weather was forecasted for 12mph winds from the north which, according to Gareth Rowland, eventually did happen but towards the end of the day. For much of the day the wind blew straight up the banks which made for plenty of tacking.
Class 5 got in two races for the day with Class 3 managing only one.
RESULTS: Class 5 - Race One: Dave Green, 1; Chris Wright, 2; Mark Lloyd, 3. Class 5 - Race Two: Dave Green, 1; Chris Wright, 2; Ray Thompson, 3. Class 3 - Race One: Steve Borrill, 1; Alan Scantlebury, 2; Gareth Rowland, 3.
And, yes, there's a story behind how DCM met with his new-found friend, Miss Carling Black Label and the tale, unbelievably involves a beer delivery driver falling through a cellar hole in the pavement outside the "Eagle" pub in Mablethorpe which in turn entails dubious goings-on from one of Gareth's friends, the wheelchair-bound Kevin, who incidentally, had to retire early from after-racing festivities tonight on the account of having what's commonly known as alcohol poisoning... too many "girlie drinks". All will be revealed soon. |