^{24 Wanderer helms and crews were welcomed to South Cerney SC for the Annual Training weekend on May 11th/12th - including 4 new owners and crews particularly keen to pick up hints and tips.}
 

During Saturday, Michael Powell and Gavin Barr led off-the-water chart presentations followed by practice starts in spring sunshine and very gentle breezes - conditions which obviously appealed to those new to dinghy sailing.
 

Saturday night was spent in the baronial splendour of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester and after dinner the traditional Tug Boat Challenge was organised, as ever, by Chris King. This year, Colin Wallsgrove, attending his first Wanderer event, was the pick of the fleet and acclaimed Tug Master of the Year in a desperate play off against a young lady called Rachel in charge of the bar….

Sunday’s three races had to be sadly curtailed after two starts due to the virtual absence of any wind. Only Mike and Jenny Harris showed any consistent ability in coping with the frustrating conditions. They posted a pair of thirds. The Kings won the first race after the Harris’ led for much of the race only to be baulked by a back-marker on the final beat which led to the Kings and David and Jill Davies squeezing past them.

In the second race Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper managed to get away just that little less slowly than anyone else from a windless start line. The remainder of the race was a frustrating procession providing few passing opportunities. The following crews kept changing places and Jack Mann and Adam Wickenden achieved more than anyone else in working their way through the fleet to take second place from the Harris’ with Steve and Barbara Harvey, the Davies’, and the Meadowcrofts following.

Colin Grant, yet again acted as a very patient Race Officer, whilst his wife Gill and her team reminded us that SCSC provide the best hot meal catering of all the clubs we visit - and then cap it all with squidgy home made cakes in door step portions.

Overall Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper produced the best result over the two races with the Harris’ runners up and the Davies’ third, just squeezing out Jack Mann and Adam Wickenden. There are not many occasions when the National Champion and his crew don’t take something home for the mantelpiece.

Results: