"Priory Sailing Club - Waves, Turtles and Killer Shrimps"
Priory Juniors at Grafham Water SC's Junior Regatta - 23 October 2010

On 23 October seven intrepid sailors from Priory SC Junior squad ventured to Grafham Water to take part in the GWSC final Junior Regatta of the season. There was some apprehension and concern amongst the team with the thought of the much larger lake area, the waves, and the prospect of being able to turn the dinghy completely over (turning turtle) - something not possible at Priory lake - these challenges would be a first for most of the squad.

The day started with a strong wind which then built during the first race. The first turtle for the team taking place before even getting to the committee boat start line. The windward leg was a struggle but was more than made up for with the power of the downward leg, having to hike off the back of the boat and still almost being forced bow first into a submarine dive. Those competitors that didn't capsize were soaked by the spray coming up over the side of the Toppers as they zoomed across the water and crashed through the waves. As the wind increased three of the Priory juniors amongst others had to abandon the race and come ashore. The planned second race was then postponed due to the wind.

After lunch all of the Priory squad were out on the water again battling with the wind and the other competitors in three further races. The wind remained strong and the competition fierce but by the time all came off the water the faces (and weary limbs) said it all, a good days racing with new experiences and great fun. Not even the though of having to power wash the dinghies before being allowed off site (to avoid carring Killer Shrimps away from Grafham) could dampen the spirits.

The top Priory Sailor was Lucie Hewett who took the 6th overall place, followed by Jonathan Powell, Owen Hewett, James Papworth, James Gray, David Stephenson and Issy Powell. The record for most turtles during the day must also be held by Issy Powell, a challenge for a junior to beat next year. Congratulations to all the Junior Sailors for competing in tough conditions and to Grafham Water SC for hosting the event. For further details about sailing and Priory SC visit www.priorysc.org.uk

Topper Open Traveller Meeting - 21 August 2010

The Topper Traveller is one of a series of open events hosted by clubs throughout the region held between spring and the autumn each year, coordinated through the Topper Association (see Topper website). The three races each of 40minutes provided challenging conditions as the 15helms overcame gusty wind, testing courses and lurking weed. Racing was followed by a delicious tea and presentations. Congratulations to Kathryn Macritchy, Joseph Mullen and George Hunter.

RNLI Regatta - 20 June 2010

The weather forecast was good, the start was at a reasonably late hour for a Sunday - so all was looking good for the RNLI race on Sunday 20 June. As we gathered at the Club, the wind dropped and the challenge was on! The Race Officer carefully set the course - it's never a good sign for the sailors when Sarah and Mark are together at the Transit!

A good sized fleet formed on the starting line, and the first race leapt across the line - did I say leapt? I mean crept. The weed and wind conspired to provide a frustrating but challenging race. Three races were run, with a different course for each and each race faced the same wind and weed challenges.

It was very gratifying to see so many on the water for this good cause, and we had the welcome company of a few new crews to Racing. Overall we raised some £85.00 for the RNLI, and fun prizes were awarded - so most people went away with something!

Many thanks to the Sarah as the Race Officer, Julie for the Catering, Karen for the admin, and Tony without whom it would not have gone quite so smoothly.

The overall Winners were:
Adult : Paul Williams
Junior : Tom de Souza

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