Pointers have weather made to order - Climate no change at American River
After a week of wild, woolly winter weather, the Strawbridge Pointers were prepared to be close reefed for their outing on Wednesday 17th June, but were surprised by sunny conditions and a light northerly. The pattern of clear days and variable breezes has continued throughout autumn and into winter. No one is complaining.
As Tim Williams remarked, “any farmer planning to spray, should pencil in every second Wednesday to do it!’
Our crew numbers continue to stay buoyant, with 17 eager beavers at the wharf and after some preliminaries, the course was set, lunch packed and the sheets tightened.
Dave Hinves & Peter Morris joined Greg Roberts on “Jafra”, with Dave, happy to be afloat again, after a week of ovine duties, getting the rags aloft in record time. A feature was the matching attire of this crew, very smart in navy jackets.
Scott Morgan and Grant Millard piloted “Grapeshot”, a very tidy Duncanson 29 and were joined by Robert and Marg Bruce,both very keen to get the feel of the “Duncy”, for reasons of their own.
Handicap winner of the 2008 Ballast Head Cup, “Grapeshot” set a cracking pace, even when Scott had to scale the mast to free a halyard. (leave him locked up, I reckon)
The inseparable Churchill crew were ordered onto separate vessels this week, with David commandeering the helm of “Dauntless” as Glen went kicking and screaming into the opulence of “La Hoya’s” cockpit. She was joined there by the wandering minstrel, Ken Smyth and Captain Morgan himself, Glen Wingate. Many apologies to Glen, for this scribe has been flattering his craft by calling her a 50 footer, when in fact our flagship is a Peterson 44! Yes, buy real estate from me, folks.
Real estate was far from Horatio Churchills mind as he, Chris Schofield and Nick Pike tacked out the channel in “Dauntless”. Nick has taken a leaf out of the John Gray yachting manual and has been observed practising manouvers all week.The lengths some people go.
And practise does make perfect as John demonstrated with a flawless tacking display to the beacon, where others, including the commodore, chose a shortcut to Rocky Point.
But not the “Ann Tidd”! John and his erstwhile, smiling crew, Tony Treble (careful of the pronunciation) correctly rounded the beacon and although losing time, gained points for adhereing to the race code.
Meanwhile, “Golden Odyssey” had darted ahead in search of whales but had to leave their harpoon in its holster and settle for snook and squid instead. Not such a large frypan needed. Tim was in charge (he thinks) of sister in law Ann as crew. “Odyssey” behaves like a Border Collie at times. Darting here and there, rounding up stray craft and generally keeping the fleet in some sort of order.
The armada had a broad run across Eastern Cove, with “Jafra” and “Grapeshot” enjoying a neck & neck tussle until Robert started the motor and “Grapeshot” broke free. Alright, I made that up.
The flagship came to anchor in 3 fathoms and then a remarkable series of berthing manouvers took place until all the vessels were rafted up, completely without mishap. Amazing.
“La Hoya’s” cockpit then became the mess hall for our afternoon soiree and over sandwiches and refreshments,the Pointers once again set a troubled world at ease.
Not one Ozcar scandal, no dodgy documents, Swine-flu free and the Crows sitting in the eight. Damn near perfect!
All things must pass, sadly (including lunch) so with “Ann Tidd” and the Border Collie setting the course, we began a lovely run home. “Jafra” cheekily admired Glen W’s paintwork from 3 feet as she slid by, with Peter Morris doing a fine imitation of a whisker pole. (Stretch those arms).
”Dauntless” really excels downwind and despite Larry, Curly and Mo running the show, she sailed beautifully.
As the wind dropped out, Tim & Ann frequented the “Renwick squid patch” and bottled enough ink to start another column.
John & Tony enjoyed a marvelous gull winged run down the channel, to take “line honours” and were rewarded with the inaugural “Port Hole” award, presented at our new clubhouse after the outing. This new award recognises acts of “Remarkability displayed on the day”. There were many contenders , but “Ann Tidd’s” perseverence was duly recognised.Thanks to Ros & Chris at Wanderer’s Rest for a lovely evening.
Next sailing day is scheduled for July 1st. Everyone welcome.
Hal Yard
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