Sorry you didn't have more fun, Steve.Thanks for the pictures. The one of Cavatina with full sail and wind aft records her having been chased downwind by the entire BR/BC/BRe fleet from Glen Ridding 7 miles away, and only two of them managed to overtake her. I'm no-end chuffed, but perhaps an account should come from someone else. (And I do know that downwind is not a BRs strong point.)
It was a shame the two Storms found the squally wind conditions on Saturday too much - entirely understandable when I think back to my Storm Petrel days. Sailing conditions were VERY variable on both days, and different on different parts of the very long lake. We had everything from zephyrs to F5-6, and variable wind direction too. The sail to Glen Ridding (or is it Glenridding?) on Sat was quite hairy at times. Add to that rain, from spatters to driving downpours, over both days, typical stunning Lake District atmospherics (not been to the LD for about 2 years, and had forgotten how extremely beautiful it is), and even some sunshine, and .....well, whoever wasn't there missed a treat!
The food and company on Saturday evening were both enjoyable, especially the company.
It rained a bit miserably first thingish next day, but I have to say I was a bit mystified when nearly everyone took off home on Sunday morning....?? Which left Rory, with his beeootiful brand-new boat (maiden voyage on Saturday!) with a beautiful-but-unpronounceable-Gaelic-name (sorry, Rory, can't even attempt it, but it sounds as lovely as your boat looks) and Cavatina plus muggins. We met up for lunch at ******, and had some really good sailing before and after that. Mustn't go on about Cavatina but had some brief fun with a Laser Stratos with three up: friendly smiles and 'lovely boat!' in my direction, until they realised we were planing alongside and gaining on them, when frantic sail adjustment and really surprised looks took over. Then they saved face by altering course.
It absolutely tipped down while I was packing up on Sunday evening.
BIG thanks to Matthew for organising, and to everyone there for being such good company.
Michael