Looking back over the 2011 season one could be forgiven for thoughts of not the best. But looking more closely perhaps the lack of sunshine in August (well below average) clouded our memories of what has been a reasonable sailing season – at least on the river. One race early on in the season was postponed due to inclement weather and similarly one late on in the season, otherwise its been fairly successful. The two non series races proved to be very popular with excellent turn outs
The annual trip for the Axe One Designs to Fowey Classics coincided with a reasonable spell of weather during the first week of August. Five AODs took part, three from Axe, Whimbrel, Gemini & Teal and two from the Solent; Gannet and Swallow. This was Gannet’s first West Country outing west of Axe and a return to her place of build. The two of them brought along their own support craft (large white Benetau’s), which provided additional aspects to the social side, tea and G&T.
This was the 20th anniversary of the event and the majority verdict was that it was the best so far, Roy Downes – FC impresario has certainly bowed out on a high and we thank him for making FC such a hugely enjoyable event over the years. This year the races were held in light to moderate winds (unlike last year’s survival conditions) and the only period of rain occurred overnight. Mike and Jane in Teal put in their usual tip top performance and came away with the Trafalgar Cup – overall winners of the Thursday race. The social activities were equally enjoyable both ashore and afloat, one member surprised the team by doing rather well in the wine tasting competition…..
Back to the Axe, an old salt who used crew in Axe Ones back in the fifties reminisced of river races that incorporated sailing around some of the estuary islands as part of the course. So the last river race in August became the Round the Island Race – this should not be confused with that lesser event held east of Lyme. Timing was essential to ensure sufficient depth of water down the Willoughby channel between the embankment and the islands. The tide served and the fleet hull down behind the islands presented an interesting spectacle to those viewing from Coronation Corner – some wag has suggested that we’ll now have to find a Gold Roman Bowl as a trophy!