We haven't had a summer like this since -? Lovely, and I'm not a whinger by nature, but I'm going to have a quick whinge, to make me feel better (?), about...... the weather.
Those of you who sensibly live nearer the sea than I do are probably enjoying cooling and SAILABLE winds, around F3-4 probably, for at least some of the day. We had the same lovely weather in Amsterdam the weekend before last (the w/e after that super Teifi Rally), and a glorious breeze blew in off the sea the entire time. We trundled out into the countryside on hired bikes, and dawdled along a polder watching countless sails (some on little curved gaffs and with bluff bows and leeboards below them) heeling gently in the breeze on a wide expanse of ruffled blue.......
Here, now, in centralish Cheshire, the sun smiles hotly, and an occasional gust of warm air chases some leaves on our weeping willow, reaching F2 for about 30 seconds before giving up. I know (because I've tried it) that very intermittent zephyrs over the surface of the lake at Tatton do not a sailing experience make, and it's too hot to practise rowing. I feel an all-day outing to Beaumaris or Abersoch coming on.
Meanwhile, you sea-breeze enjoyers, make the most of it if you can (I speak as one of the noble army of not-having-to-work-ers, i.e. retired) and, as you hear gurgling water at the forefoot bespeaking a happy boat in its element, spare a thought for us sweltering inlanders . And here's to LOTS of sailing this wondrous summer.
End of whinge. Do I feel better for it? Errr.....ummm....
Michael