Great fun but could do better!

This year’s RNLI 24 Hour Race at Little Paxton Sailing Club was absolutely fantastic. The organisation and fun factor could not have been bettered. A total of eight teams competed, and Welwyn Garden City SC’s entries came a respectable 4th (Supernova) and 5th (Comet). We were a little disappointed the Supernova didn’t do better, but all credit to Little Paxton’s Solo which won the event in convincing style.

The Welly teams were:

SUPERNOVA

Patrick Rohart (Captain), Dave Campbell, Paul Carter, Peter Edel, Rob Campbell, Charles Adams, Shaun Smale, Richard Attley

COMET

Paul Lohr (Captain), Ray Wilson, Pete Thornley, Tim Browning, Sheila Stowe, David Attley, Idris Wurie, Val Newton

The weather forecast for the weekend was pretty dire with heavy rain predicted for much of the time, but in the end, the low did not arrive until the middle of the night. Saturday was warm and muggy with a gentle breeze, and Sunday was sunny with a lively wind. The worst conditions were overnight when our intrepid sailors had to sail in driving rain and heavy gusts. Ray Wilson said the rain was so bad at one point, he couldn’t see the next mark at all, just the faint glimmer of the lights of the club house in the distance. Paul Lohr managed to maroon himself on the islands twice because he just couldn’t see through his specs in the rain. David Attley was sailing the Comet when conditions were at their worst, and he suffered a capsize and a nasty crack on the head which left him with an egg size bump on his temple. Fortunately there were no gear failures, just occasional problems with weed catching on centreboards, and the shallows round the islands stopping those trying to pinch past.

There must have been at least 100 people at the event and there was a great atmosphere. The galley served non stop teas, coffees, rolls and cakes, and fantastic cooked breakfasts; there was a super barbecue on Saturday night, and disco music livened things up throughout both days. One of the funniest moments was when a helm and crew stood up in their boat and danced to “Ghostbusters” as they sailed past!

As usual, the Mouse Club turned out in force, including Lin Smale, Ruth and Maurice Smale (Shaun’s parents), Micki Browning, Marjorie Adams, Cheryl Luxford, Pauline Shaw and Idris’s Dad who declared he was “out of his comfort zone”! Many thanks to all those who did duties and saved the sailors from having to double up.

Moments to treasure included: Monsieur Patrick bringing a supply of French cider to share with everyone; Cheryl producing her traditional offering of banana choc chip cake; Dave Campbell handing round a large box of Ferrero Rocher chocs at the end of racing (no, I’m not going to make a joke); Idris making tea for fellow campers on his stove; Dave Lambert writing a team notice in perfect French to put outside Patrick’s tent; Lin turning up with two adorable foster dogs as well as her own two red setters; Charles attempting to blow up the second side of their mattress, and Pauline trundling around the shore on her scooter. For me, personally, my magic moment was lying in my sleeping bag all warm and snug, listening to the rain hammering on the roof of the tent ... I did spare a thought for those battling it out on the water.

Our thanks must go to Paxton Lakes Sailing Secretary, Gareth Russell and his team for putting on such a great event. They will be setting a date soon for the 2010 RNLI 24 Hour Race. This will be the 40th anniversary RNLI 24 Hour race and they want this to be the biggest ever with at least 20 teams. Get your diary ready

... Val Newton