From the Rear Commodore
As our thoughts turn to laying up and winter work to be done we can reflect on another very mixed sailing season. I can’t remember one in which more races were cancelled either as a result of no wind but more especially gales. Global warming perhaps! Nevertheless, there have been plenty of good times on the water and we sometimes take for granted the beautiful surroundings in which we enjoy our sport. A visiting RYA coach while anchoring off Crow one perfect afternoon rechristened it “Paradise Point”!
This year we have hosted a Spitfire/Shadow TT Meeting and while the number of boats competing was a little disappointing we gave them such excellent racing and weather that they are coming again next year. We are also entertaining the Sprint 15’s for their National Championships in 2008.
Class racing has been well supported this year with well over 20 boats in the 15 fleet and growth in the Spitfires, too, with up to six sailing regularly. A good variety of boats have turned out in H/c 1 but sadly, once again there has been little support for the H/c 2 fleet. Thanks to all OOD’s and Safety Boat crews.
There have been some notable cruises achieved, too. Among these the Fearon’s “March Hare” reached the west coast of Scotland and “Gemini’s” crew enjoyed some of the black liquid in Ireland.
Some 60 boats took part in Open Week although the Fast Cat fleet was depleted this year,.  competitors again enjoyed mainly good weather and the interesting and testing courses set by Richard Stone. Our thanks to him.
Open Week Winners
Cruisers - Bob Randles & Cat Merlin,
Gaffers - Chris Evans
H/c 2 –Ben & James Talbot     
H/c 1 – Tim Blackmore & David Grant
Handicap Cats – Paul & Maddy Jury
Sport 15’s – Roger Bone
Maddy Jury won the Christine Mitchell Trophy, Ben Talbot, the Mark Ganniclift and Dave Parkin, the Yellow Welly!
Tony Pratt
Rear Commodore