by Tom Whittingham

 For those who had been down during the week you may have seen some of the Inter-Services Team Racing, for which the wind conditions were perfect despite the excessive amount of rain falling.  The event was sponsored by Nova Systems and that ensured tea and coffee flowed freely and the competitors enjoyed and evening meal and a buffet before they departed on Friday.  There were 6 teams from the Army, Air Force and Navy who fought it out over 2 days.  The final result was the Navy lifted both the A-Team and B-Team cups.    There were numerous compliments made about our lake and facilities and I expect they will all want to be back again next year.

We hosted the Phantom Open on Saturday and that attracted more competitors than attended the Ovington Winter Championships at Grafham a few weeks ago.  Charlie Sansom  posted secured  1st place overall and Mike Tustin 3rd - the full report is below.   Thank you to David Nunn and his team for the race management, safety cover and competitor reception/results team. 

The committee boat was needed again on Sunday to cope with the northerly wind.  It was the first 3-race Sunday of the year and we had over 30 boats out.  From a relatively cold start to the day,  we finished basking in Spring sunshine; hopefully and indication of better things to come.  It was, however, still very wet underfoot and the ground is still saturated from the biblical-level rain over the last few weeks, especially the cloudburst that hit us on Friday afternoon and evening.  Please don’t try driving on the grass as it is unlikely to support any vehicles. 

Looking forward to the Easter Weekend, let’s hope we have drier ground, good wind and the first bbq of the season. 

The actual wind speed readings can now be found at https://www.windguru.cz/99806 thanks to the hard work of Nick Holmes.

Our Spring Work Party Day is set for Saturday 22^nd April.  Please save the day to help out.   This is the day we sort out the Club facilities, boats and grounds after the ravages of winter and make sure we are ready for what could be a fabulous summer season.     More detail is to follow but we can do with as much help as we can muster.  There will be things everyone can turn their hands too and the more support we get, the more we can do and quicker we can complete the task list.  More details to follow – watch this space.   

This week is the start of Wednesday evening racing.  Races should start at 7pm with fast and slow fleet starts.  The Galley will be open; please make sure you order your food before launching.  The forecast is looking promising. 

Saturday 15th April will see our first ever Bowmoor Otters group get together organised by our Youth Team.

Please come along in the morning for a 10:30 briefing.  The name of the game is family friendly fun, for all ages 1-100.  Whether you are sailing, kayaking or SUPing there will be fun activities for all members at all levels of experience. 

A safety boat will be on the water as backup.

The activities are free, organised by members for members.  Children will be required to be supervised at all times on the water by their parents or guardians.  So grab your family boat, kayaks or SUPs and join us. 

Normal club rules apply for club boats subscription and usage. 

Sailors who have been in the Tera or Byte squads over the winter are encouraged to join us on the water to practise their skills before the afternoon’s sprint series sailing.

Squad sailors, particularly those with AI qualifications, will be on hand to answer any questions on the shore and on the water by our Bowmoor Otter families. 

Register your interest (and see more details) here - https://bowmoor.com/product/bowmoor-otters.%20

Any questions please contact youth@bowmoor.com

The Byte UK Class Association are pleased to announce that their annual April training will be held this year at Bowmoor Sailing club. Book here for the event and sign up to the class association to allow you to join other Byte events across the country (at a reduced entry fee).

https://bowmoor.com/product/byte-uk-association-training-day/

On Saturday 18 boats entered the Open event with 2 races either side of lunch.  All races were closely contested throughout the fleet.  There were the inevitable shifts in a northly wind that kept everyone on their toes from start to finish.  Charlie Sansom posted an impressive 1st place in every race, holding off Andy Froggatt each time.  Mike Tustin showed great consistency to take 3rd overall, Andy Smith came 6th, Tom Whittingham 8th, Dean Griffith 11th, Olly Hopkins 13th Giles Winslow 16th and Chris McCormack 18th.  The full report can be seen in Yachts and Yachting.  David Nunn got all the races away in quick time as Toby Banbrook sorted out the course marks.  Our visitors got a great reception, where well fed and have stated they want to come back again next year.  Overall, it was a great success.  

Wednesday 5th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 8th April
09:00 - Byte Training 
Sunday 9th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Monday 10th April

11:30 - Pursuit Races

13:30 - Pursuit Races

15:15 - Pursuit Races

Monday 10th - Thursday 13th April

08:30 - RYA Dinghy Courses

Wednesday 12th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 15th April

09:00  - RYA Powerboat Course

10:30 - Youth Regatta

Sunday 16th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Wednesday 5th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 22nd April

09:30 - Club Work Party Day

Sunday 23rd April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race

Wednesday 26th April

19:00 - Handicap Racing

Saturday 29nd April

09:30 - Come and Try Day

Sunday 30th April
11:30 - Handicap Races 
13:30 - Handicap Races

15:15 - Personal Handicap Race