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Weed regrettably forced the abandonment of the match but in fact a
most enjoyable informal free sailing day followed, enlivened by a jolly
bunch from the VMYG.
The Sargasso sea comes
to The Rick pond.
The glassy conditions and lowered water levels as part of the weed
treatment process were trying for skippers despite occasional puffs,
but the unbroken sun and clarity of the air more than compensated and
leisurely lunches and champagne were the order of the day. At one point
twenty or so large exhausted carp (and a small pike) were rescued from
a nearby drying ditch and carried by human club chain to the Rick pond.
30" American Friendship
sloop
This yacht is a most convincing scale model, extremely well detailed
and proportioned. She also sails extremely effectively her full, stitch
seamed sails reflecting the prototype. Built originally by Ian Sharpe
in Barrow-in-Furness, she was a stage prop for many years and then last
year underwent a major rebuild at the hands of Keith Bragge. She is
owned by Michael Preece.
Lazy days
Dennis Moss's yellow Sweet retires with insufficient wind. In the far
distance John Gales' 1922 Turner designed Sonata A boat rests awhile,
her 1800 sq " of sail having sufficed earlier in the day.
36R
Bruce Prole's nice 36R easing her way down the creek to the open water
beyond. Originally built by Mr Pemberton of 71 Hoylake Road, Birkenhead
and completed in March 1949. (inscription discovered written on the
inside of the hull), she was much damaged, but is now a credit to Bruce's
restoration.
John Gale's recently built Realistic 36R is planked in cedar.
David Bell's excellent 36R was built by him some time ago for the Pugwash
races at Clapham…which then stopped. She has been re-rigged recently
with a seriously tall lightweight suit and very nicely shaped panelled
sails also by David.
 
1774 glides effortlessly through transparent water showing her tall
rig making effective use of the light winds.
Sod's law; having weighed up the options, tried wading and finally launched
the rescue boat, Bruce Prole's 36R decides to break free of the algae
just as recovery approaches.
LongJohn
The John Lewis designed and Ken Jones built LongJohn on the water earlier
in the day found enough breeze to put up a convincing performance. New
owner John Snook received a crash course in vane sailing.
David Sauerteig's 36R finds the breeze and holds
a steady course down the lake.
Report by Anthony Warren
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