Norfolk Punt Club Sunday Club Racing

A mixed and rapidly changing weather forecast on the day of the Wimbledon men's final and England's latest attempt to win football's Euros meant we could not predict how many members would come out to play on Barton Broad!

In the event the westerly breeze, though variable 2-4, was more gentle than forecast and the temperature generally better than expected. These conditions rewarded the enthusiastic and cheerful fleet with ideal sailing conditions.

Numbers were boosted by juniors being trained in three Fevas by Mark and Ali, and a mixed fleet of visiting adult trainees, led by Andy Hamilton and his Bitterns Afloat Christian Youth Sailing Holiday.

The first race at 11.30, of combined allcomers based on an average lap time was a figure of eight north of the island to maximise the beats in the westerly breeze. Three Fevas, three YBODs, a Rebel and a river cruiser enjoyed the conditions. Henry and Finn in Feva 3381 obviously considered capsizing with spinnaker part of their training, but demonstrated their competence by recovering independently. Peter and Sian Robbins in YBOD 115 romped away after a slow start. They took line honours with David Adler and Paul Finn in YBOD 126 second, and visiting Rebel 8 third.

After a civilised lunch break our little fleet was joined by Simon and Kath in their BOD, and Ruth Owen with crew in Punt 37, Gamecock. The course was lengthened to include another beat in the south end of the broad. The starts for the second series were combined with another average lap time calculation. Another clean start and some close racing ensued. On her way back up the broad river cruiser Bittern had a classic Barton broad experience when she wrapped her mainsheet around a post. Fortunately in a fairly light breeze, with great skill, and help from the rescue boat, they safely recovered the situation without any damage. Peter and Sian in YBOD 115 never looked back. Paul having swapped roles with David in YBOD 126 was second. Simon with Sophie and Lenka took third in the BOD.

Race 3 was another combined start of three YBODs, the BOD, and a Rebel. YBOD 115 continued their top performance. The import of quietly experienced "ringers" may have influenced positions behind them! Mark Luckhurst clearly enjoyed showing his class taking second place in the BOD, and John Sennet assisted the YBOD 126 team to a third place.

A good turnout of spectators joined us all for a convivial teatime. Hannah and Emma in the tea hut provided a spectacular spread of cake and biscuits so everyone was very happy!

Three races seemed to be enough for everyone, perhaps influenced by the call of tennis and football on television cooling enthusiasm for more sailing!

Special thanks to Matthew and Dawn for manning the rescue boat so efficiently, and to Hannah and Emma on their inaugural tea hut duty.