Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic Sailing Club

Heading out - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic © John Nield

Port Dinorwic was a new venue for the Tuesday Club seeing 31 boats on the water with some of the sailors having not sailed in tidal waters it was looking like an interesting day with a steep learning curve (keep an eye on the locals!)

As boats were rigged coffee was drunk and we waited for our briefing, the winds were reasonable for the morning race but the fast flow of the tide had to be taken into account catching many out.

Just hanging out - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield

The start line took us on an interesting route through moored yachts and out into the Menai Straights it really paid off being in a faster boat with the RS200's leading the way and eventually finishing in the top two places followed by the Streaker of Pete Coop,whilst some sped off into the distance others fell behind but we all made it back for lunch.

Our normal lunchtime routine of butties and coffee was replaced for some by a hot lunch provided by the club galley.

Heading away from Ynys Mon - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield

As high tide was approaching we waited on instructions from our OOD on start time and course changes as we prepared to head off in the opposite direction due to the change in the tide direction and again we had a clean start and headed off led again by the faster boats, (some of the lead boats were disqualified due to not sailing through the start gate OOPS), the wind was starting to drop and the fast flow of the water took it's toll on some sailors performance but what a challenge.

As race 3 approached another change of course as the wind dropped it was decided there was not enough to combat the strength of the tidal flow down the centre of the Menai Straights so we settled for a simple sausage course keeping us out of the fast flow but even this was a bit much for some as the winds dropped off and it was a struggle to make the windward and uptide mark but we all managed it.

Jac Bailey and Ben Sinfield, overall winners (RS200, right) - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield

As we all headed in and packed up ready to travel home followed by the prize-giving and thanks were given to all the competitors for attending and especially to the hosts who looked after us both on and off the water.

The next event is at Llyn Brenig on August 12th - see bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com

Hopefully see some of you there.

So why not come and join our friendly Tuesday club it's better than being in work!

Andy Todd, third overall - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield

Overall Results:

Get it flat - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield

It's a bit tight here - Border Counties Midweek Sailing Series at Port Dinorwic - photo © John Nield