Following a successful although very blustery training day at South Cerney on the Saturday, Sunday dawned very grey and misty and by the time the first race was under way the heavens had opened and it was pouring with sheets of heavy rain, but fortunately with light winds and small flurries. So it was a very soggy 13 keen Wanderers, some new faces fresh from Saturdays training and some old, with 4 local boats who took part in the 3 races.

Race 1 saw most people being very cautious on the start line and in fact many staring well behind the start line. Chris and Vicky King in their brand new Ian Porter built Wanderer 1575(It Take’s Two) were the first to make the windward mark having gained a good lead. Unfortunately they then caused mass confusion at the 2nd mark by going around it the wrong way but not realising it until they reached the 3rd buoy. Having then realized their mistake and having unwound them selves and returning to go around it the correct way they found themselves at the back of the whole fleet. The rest of the race saw them fighting their way back through the fleet. The last 3 laps being a closely fought tussle between Tim Robertson and his 2 crew of 8yr old Niamh and 6 yr old Max in W1038 and Sally and Colin Gilbert in W1163 and David Davis with his new crew Jonathan Hilton in W 318 for 3rd place. Colin and Sally Gilbert finally winning through. The majority of the race was led by Mike Hamilton and his crew David Oates in W 992 who gained a clear uncontested lead. In 2nd place were Peter and Elva Wallis in W 893

After a very welcome hot lunch provided by Gill Grant and her team in the kitchen. A much reduced fleet of 7 wanderers started the second race still in the pouring rain.The start line was an interesting mass of confusion as some had decided to start on the port end of the line and were unable to tack away cleanly causing a lot of shouting and a few boats bumping into each other.

The lead was a closely fought contest between the Kings, The Gilberts and David Davis with his crew Jonathan; with 1st place changing several times. Unfortunately Mike Hamilton had had to return to shore to make a speedy repair. The Kings finally won through to finish in 1st place followed by David Davis and in 3rd the Gilberts.

The last race saw Mike Hamilton return in fighting form and once again the lead place changed several times between the Kings, Hamilton and David Davis. The Wallis continued to sail consistently to finish 4th in both races. The race was finally won by the Kings who were absolutely delighted to have finally won the event that they have hosted at their own club for the last 10yrs.

A big thank you goes to the officer of the day Stephen Penfold and his rescue crew for good courses set and who had to stoically stay out in the pouring rain and Gill Grant and her crew in the galley who kept us all fed and watered fantastically in the tradition of South Cerney as the best home made grub and cakes on the circuit.

Sally Gilbert sums it up beautifully - “I may have ended up colder and wetter than I can remember for a very long time but I also had one of the best weekends I have had for ages. The racing was great, especially for the few minutes we were at the front and as usual the company was good fun and the food outstanding.”

Report by Vicky King. Photos © Colin Grant