Christmas Pud Regatta, 21 December 2019

Christmas Pud Regatta, 16 December 2017

OOD Ian Stringer and AOD David Brown set a simple triangular course of 5-6-1, taking all to starboard. At the hooter, Nigel Davis was first across the line, closely followed by Dave Lambert and both held these positions in the Fast Fleet for the whole race, and repeated this in the second race. There was a light breeze which made it essential to pick exactly the right moment to tack, on the beat back up to Mark 1, to gain any advantage.

In the Slow Fleet, Annette Walter and Charles Adams quickly settled in to first and second places in the first race. In the second Annette sailed off into the distance to compete with the Supernovas. Charles was left adrift behind everyone after a good start and only recovered second position from Phil Walter at the last mark.

It was good to see rising juniors Tom Etherton and Ben Hawker in the first race, but Ben disappeared before the second race … the rumour was he went off to see “Star Wars”!

While the sailors were hard at it on the water, members of the Mouse Club were enjoying festivities onshore including Mike & Sylvia Smith, Mike Fairman, David Boyce, Brian & Thelma Cardinal, Marjorie Adams, Sybil Morse, Pauline Shaw, David Newton, Maureen Blunt and honorary MC members Sheila and Val ‘on sick leave’ from sailing. To everyone’s surprise, Anthony Willis arrived with the very generous gift of a bottle of Navy Rum and two large bottles of ginger beer. Mouse clubbers decided these should be used in a punch to welcome in the New Year.

At the end of the morning, Marjorie produced several flasks of steaming hot punch and a big insulated box full of hot mince pies, which were very welcome on such a bitter day. Café owner, Vince, donated a Panettone cake to the gathering, which was also much appreciated.

Finally, thanks must go to Rescue Driver Alan Pearce and his Assistant, Simon Hawker, who were nearly frozen solid by the end of the morning.