Cherub Inland Championships at Queen Mary Sailing Club

Inland Championships 2013 at Queen Mary © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Inland Championships 2013 at Queen Mary © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Inland Championships 2013 at Queen Mary © Alex Irwin / www.sportography.tv

Despite a forecast that looked distinctly unpromising for Sunday sailing 13 Cherubs turned up Saturday morning at Queen Mary for their Inland Championships. A number of white horses across the lake and a forecast of increasing gusts had a number of cherubists rigging up their smaller sails, a move some would come to regret. The wind allowed a good length course to be set on the smaller side of the reservoir and after a short postponement to allow all boats to launch racing began.

Interest among those in the know was high. With wind sufficient for foiling, would the one Cherub that was forging the high road leave all the others trailing, or would the fable of the tortoise and the hare literally hold water?

The three races on the day were dominated by two teams who mastered the gusty conditions Alex and Clive Everest winning the first two races after a close battle with Paul Croote and Ed Higham. The third race was held in the eye of the storm with those on small sails left regretting their choice. To give others a chance Clive fell in whilst keeping a firm grip on his quickly broken tiller extension. The light winds suited Paul and Peter Jenkins who took the bullet. As to the foiler there were some impressive bursts of speed and some good photo opportunities but the gusty wind made for some command and control difficulties.

After a good workout on the water and some impressive speeds reached on the QMSC TracTrack system the fleet headed to a riverside watering hole to replenish energy and liquid stores and wonder if Sunday would bring suitable sailing conditions.

Sunday morning dawned windy, to the extent that Team Peters took one look and went off to a nearby RS200 open. One race though was held and a select band of brave sailors launched to test themselves and their equipment to the limit. Only Clive and Alex in A&E crossed the start line. They soon came to grief on the first run trying to navigate the upturned B14s on the course and then retired after getting rigs tangled with B14. Further racing was then abandoned, though A&E, Marmite and Riot Van stayed out for some memorable blasts up and down the reservoir.

Thanks to Alex Irwin of www.sportography.tv for these great photos.

Overall Results: