Despite a slight hangover following his 60th birthday party last night, young Dick Stephens managed to rouse himself this morning to run racing for the Brightlingsea One Design Mini Series.  The forecast was marginal but six of the fleet set off in the strengthening westerly.  They managed to get the races in but by the end it was pretty much survival conditions and Dick wisely sent them home.

It was great to see Bob Richardson and Alistair Burt out in their newly acquired Panic. It was a bit breezy for a first sail but she looked great and it was really good to see her back out racing with the fleet.  (Don’t forget Sabrina is for sale if you know anyone that is looking for a boat).

Back ashore Fi, Ginny and Kate, who had intended to sail their new boat C51 Grethe, had decided discretion was the better part of valour and had opted for a morning of boat bimbling instead.  The big advantage of this was that, being the girls, their boat bimbling included setting up a champagne and canapes reception to welcome Grethe to the fleet and the fleet joined them on arrival in the boat park where much fun was had by all.

Results will follow shortly but huge thanks to Dick and Marilyn Hempstead for running the racing.