Sunday saw the start of a new Get Racing season to encourage those new to racing to participate in club racing.

There were near perfect sunny conditions with a 6-10mph southerly breeze, a welcome contrast to last weekend’s wild Easter weather.  A great turnout of 18 sailors of all ages took part in 16 boats with a variety of different classes, including a splendid home built traditional dayboat.

There was a spread of race experience, three Oppies having trained over the winter months while for others it was their first race.

The session started with a thorough briefing of Draycote’s start sequence and race format before the boats headed out to the starting area and
their special start, number 6 in the sequence.

Unsurprisingly the boats that hit the line with speed were those with more experience, and possibly a watch, but it wasn’t long before all the boats were in the thick of it as the race area was compact. A coach boat was on hand to direct those unsure of the course to the next mark and advise generally.

A couple of boats had to leave early but otherwise good progress was made by all to complete the race in approx 50 minutes. The race is run on a handicap basis with results being calculated on average lap times, so avoiding any boat having too long a race.

Thanks must go to the ODs for their assistance during the session.

It was good to see a significant number join in with the club racing within their own fleets in the afternoon. The idea is to give those taking part the confidence to join in the normal club racing on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.

Similar sessions will run in the morning of the first  Sunday of each month, the next one being on 1^st May. Contact Dave Rowe if you wish to hire club boats in order to participate and this is at no charge.

Race results are as follows:-