SEVEN Burnham Blazes hit the water on Sunday!

After club racing was cancelled on Saturday and hangovers were clearing after England’s rugby exploits our local WhatsApp group fired into life with a 10.30 am meet on the water on Sunday.

Two of our newly formed fleet had Alex and Trevor sailing their  blazes for the first time. Alex proved her early worries unfounded as she soon settled into sailing the Blaze.

A small trapezoid course was sailed in the river crouch within sight of the town . Rob Coyle ,sailing for a 2nd time in his newly named Blaze IBM , sporting a 40 cm shorter tiller extension, showed much improved boat handling and speed. He was also caught by Tracy Coyle, observing on the sea wall, having a cheeky lie down/rest in the boat.

Boats leading at wing mark had to peel off and rejoin the fleet at back . This produced close racing for an hour.

Next a short windward / leeward was set with a minimum of 6 tacks upwind and 6 gibes downwind to be completed . Great boat handling for all and the only swimming practice went of course to myself.

Around the cans course back to club was set but with a dying breeze and building foul tide it turned into an inconclusive race to the pontoon .

With 1 mk1 , 4 mk 2 and 2 mk 4 boats sailing, racing was close with little difference in boat speed, proving boat maneuvering was key.

If any members are interested in sailing in their Blaze with us, contact the club and we can add you to the Whatsapp group.

Malcolm Hutchings