Report from Steve
After an initial slow take up for the event we had a good turnout for our annual trip to Portland. Camping at East Fleet were Joe, Andy, John, Richard, Maurice & Barbara and myself Steve. The winds for the week were generally light to moderate so no opportunity for shortboards, but our raceboards were ideal. Monday afternoon was a trip for a cream tea to the cafe by the castle before free sailing to and from the sailing centre.
The wind on Tuesday was best in the afternoon so the morning provided an opportunity for a cycle/walk into Weymouth for coffee. The afternoon provided good sailing in planing/near planing conditions and lovely sunshine. It was good to see Keith and Mary Williams who joined us en route to Exeter.
The forecast for Wednesday was for little wind after 10 in the morning so we were reluctantly persuaded by our oldest regular sailor that we should go for a very early start. In the event some slept in, some went down a bit late and rigged but opted not to sail or had a short sail only. I got there and rigged early enough to a get a really good hour in planing conditions before the wind faded. Later the sun again came out and with no wind was ideal for a bike ride organised to a cafe at the source of the Wey or in my case with no bike, a walk round Portland Bill.
In the evening we all repaired to the Marquis of Granby for another excellent meal organised by Pat Terry. We are also joined by Mike and Meg Brace who have returned to the UK from Switzerland.
Many thanks to Pat for organising not only the meal but also our parking fees and collecting our harbour dues.