WHAT A WEEKEND!
DINNER ON FRIDAY
The number of guests exceeded all expectations - 133 people sat down to a sumptuous feast of a dish of smoked salmon, followed by wild chicken and a pud for which all the plates were decorated with a ‘50’ piped in red on a yellow sauce. Must have taken ages but the staff probably had time on their hands (??) during the power cut which started at 5 pm and would be sorted in 2-3 hours! Wasn’t quite that long but caused some consternation!
(In fact, it was this power cut which knocked out all the computers in the Lifeboat station and thus messed up the software for Chimet and Cambermet etc. Took Barry some time to get that all sorted out and reply to all the emails that were complaining.)
People were first welcomed with a drink while they chatted and looked at all the old and very interesting photos that Clifford had collected and also at our large assortment of trophies that all the prize winners had brought in for the day. The tables were a delight with the shells that Tania had found on the beach and used for name placers.
After the loyal toast Barry did a speech welcoming all the guests and also mentioned names that were on cups and past Class Captains present. Tony then toasted and mentioned many, sadly not now with us, but well remembered Soloists, and Gordon Barclay, Chief Measurer from and representing the Solo Association talked about how the Solo has prospered and toasted the club, staff and present members of the Solo Fleet. The Commodore then quipped a few jokes, thanked everybody and we trooped outside to see THE FIREWORKS - which were fantastic and a just finish to what had been a remarkable evening - and for some a memorable - and quite noisy - reunion.
( PS It now transpires that Donald’s amazing generosity in funding our fireworks was recompensed a few days later by ERNIE!!!!!)
SATURDAY
The first race of Pennant Series 3 was sailed by about 12 hardy Soloists who obviously didn’t have hangovers. Not-so-Speedy Nick was sailed into 2nd place by John Rees in the 28 knot conditions. Sarah had a go as she was babyless this weekend but filled up, got stuck in irons and had to be towed by a rib to get the water out. Paul Brewer also had a messy capsize; they were both a bit fed up. Meanwhile our chief trolley dolly expanded her talents and, with Bernie, continued with Shirley’s efforts and cleared the sand off the west matting!
SUNDAY, SPONSORED BY HOLT
(negotiated by Sarah)
Another amazing day with fortunately less wind than the last few days which was, however, exceedingly variable in all respects. RO Bev Moss postponed for hour or so to let some sort of sea breeze settle. This allowed a bit more time for the visitors from Mengham to arrive though we did send a rib out to help a bit. Other visitors arrived by road from Locks, Dell Quay, Chichester, West Wittering and believe it or not, we had exactly 50 competitors on the start line with Roy Winsor, in addition, very sportingly, coming out for a sail around.
Just before the briefing, pictures were taken with everyone wearing their HOLT, very good, quality tee-shirts. Other pictures were taken during the day which will, hopefully, eventually appear here.
Roy Barnes, with his team, was on Mutoli, our official Solo Committee Boat, and was the finishing line for both races, and then, unwittingly, for the 2nd race of the handicaps, for the which they were not entirely prepared!
After one General Recall, Bev put up the black flag. Unfortunately, this did not deter a number of competitors in the first race, so the results were not all that were expected. Tim got away and stayed there but there was quite a bit of place swapping with the twitchy winds. In the second race, Keith worked his way past Chris Hornsey from Locks, who had also done quite well in the first race, and into the lead, but again, other competitors were up and down.
HOLTS, our sponsors for this event, provided lots of bag prizes which were given out down the list and then, also, for assorted spot prizes, but Keith went away, to everyone’s appreciation, with the lovely bowl turned and presented by John Bovis. Complete list of finishers and prize winners will be published.
Tea was served just before the prize giving; the magnificently decorated cake with the dates piped in red either side of a big Solo insignia (and with little ones round the edge) was delicious.You all know who were the main organisers, but thanks are due to all the other helpers who all rallied round and helped to make everything work so well. Not forgetting all the contestants either; couldn’t do without you! HOLT has some rash vests for everyone but they were unfortunately stuck in customs. They will be delivered at a later date, probably to your boat. |
