Essex YC was the venue on 15^th May. Overcast, light breeze and ten ISOs lining up for a spot of jousting round the cans. The mud flats disappeared with that warning speed. 

An array of ISO sails of varying vintage crept out and assembled around the Committee Cat, Mauna Kea. The oldest sails with purple pockets, not so old ones with the black pockets, the now familiar transparency of the Hyde’s – and some new ones. Rooster sails arrived on the scene looking every bit the part, driven by Emsworth’s Mike Lillywhite and Mark Rissington . The main shape similar to the Hyde but with a stunning new jib style with a black section down the leach to the clew. Sail material is flexible without the characteristic crackle of mylar – and Rooster patches

First start and the fleet got away cleanly, only to be called back  as the race was abandoned due to a 90 degree wind shift right on the gun.

Away again and a more even start for everyone. Locals Jonny Wells and George Chambers took the early lead with Rooster sailors getting used to the new cut. Further down the fleet Bad Fish, Yellow Peril and Cousin Trestec crossed bows several times looking for places.

Top mark and first view of the new Rooster kite. Different shade of red but other than that looked like an ISO kite, pulled like one so must be an ISO kite. Crew Mark subsequently reported that it flew like one too, so a good start all round – Rooster coming home to win Race 1.

The water level is now back up and this weekend has a good weather forecast!!!

The photo gallery has been updated with some fantastic looking photos from last Sundays sailing, special thanks to Martina who performed all the expert photography.
Please click here to go to the gallery.

2010 Calendar now upto date Click here

New bosun Gary's work day got lots of good work done to spruce up the club ready for spring.  Not only did the sun make one of its rare appearances this year, but so did around 20 sailors, windsurfers and divers.

With so many willing hands lots got done, including:

- beating back the brambles behind the clubhouse,  so now we can see the state of the building
- changing rooms, bar and boats given a spring clean
- paint all over the place
- rack by the tank cleaned out and sheeting/gravel laid down
- new cage built, either for wetsuits or people who don't turn up for duties
- leaking plumbing fixed

and probably a whole load more.

I'm sure you'll notice the difference when you next come down to the club.

Also unearthed was the famous "big stirrer" trophy, discovered (hidden?) in the brambles behind the clubhouse. Following restoration it will no doubt be going to another deserving winner this year, like previous winners such as Bob Laddell, Vince Horey and other distinguished members.
Below are some photos from the day