RCOD Racing – Close encounters at the mark 20 Jun 2016

Another Saturday race day and another excellent turnout for the RCODs. This historic, and pretty, fleet is campaigning a healthy number of boats again for 2016, ensuring close, exciting racing. For myself, I am particularly grateful for the multicoloured commitment of my fellow competitors. I can wistfully watch the leading lights (Waples, Shapiros/Laws etc) disappearing towards the upwind mark (how do they do that?) but still enjoy sparring in the middle of the fleet with those of more closely matched abilities while enjoying the lines of these antique racers.

Enough of the nostalgia….was it twitchy out there this Saturday! I'm convinced that at one point the top of my jib was stalled and the bottom pinched. If this was fencing with the breeze I was dead and buried. And the wind holes…my trusty adversary Willoughby was convinced his keel had been grasped by the Kraken just before the windward mark; my own suspicion is that true Crouch Karma doesn't come too easily.

In other words, all good practice for this middle of the fleet bunny. The learning curve may be steep but at least I didn't hit anything, go aground, or fail to get back onto the mooring in front of the club…result.

Talking of results congrats (again) to 'Easyjet' for another poll position start and convincing victory. If I ever get close enough to read your sail number as you take the gun, Waples, I will be a happy helm. Commiserations to everyone else but don't forget there's always another race.

So, if you love classic boats and live for really close racing then come and join us. These boats are mini J class thoroughbreds without the multi-million pound running costs. There is always room for another crew and it really is 'splendid sport'.