There was an excellent turnout of dinghies, cruisers and kayaks on Sunday for our annual Bart’s Bash race organized this year by Frank, Anne and Emma.

A lovely afternoon encouraged the fleet, many of them in fancy dress with the black and white theme producing a selection of costumes, including waiters, nuns, stormtroopers and a pair of penguins (or was that puffins) in the Tasar, to set sail for the 1600 start set by Malcolm and Alan from ‘Hurly Bird’, with a proper windward start around a triangular course.

The fleet split at the start, with the faster boats favouring the pin end, but all got away safely with the four faster boats all rounding in close proximity at the end of the first leg, but James gradually pulled away, and although being pegged back by Ed in the RS 100 as the race went on, held on to take the coveted first prize ahead of Ed and the first fancy dress crew in the RS200 manned by a pair of Jesters (or what was that Jokers?) who also scooped up the fancy dress prize brilliantly created by Terry. Rosie won the prize for first Junior, Judy and Bunty were first rower/kayak and Gethin and Osian coached John and Tonia round in ‘Elgar’ to take the cruiser prize.

Thanks again to Malcolm and Alan for running such an excellent race, with Martin and Terry on safety, plus the Grim Reapers (Keith and Julie) on safety and photography duties.

Afterwards, it was back to the clubhouse for drinks and food all orgainised by Frank, Anne, Emma and their families, plus the awarding of the prizes, sponsored by Waters Edge Holiday Apartments from The Strand.

The various fundraising elements produced an overall total of over £360 for this worthwhile charity and also provided a pleasant sail and social evening so a massive thanks again to all of those above who have organised this year’s event and made it such a great success.

This weekend after that we have our final club race of the main season (before the frostbite series begins in October) at 9.30 am on Sunday, September 24, which will also incorporate the long awaited junior and lady helm race within the main race. Following this, it is planned to have a meeting of all dinghy sailors to discuss events this season and any possible changes for the 2018 season. We are looking to fill a variety of posts for next year as set out by John in his email to you all so please come along with your suggestions and offers of help.

Dizzy Rascal