Gusty Race

The forecast was for gusty easterly winds so the buoys off Seaview for lunch were deemed too risky. The race start was delayed as it did not need to be so early and a course planned to take us to Portsmouth. Mikado became both PRO and RO, pluckily anchoring at Rizzi for the start. Some 18 boats were expected but some did not start and some did not finish; some not liking the conditions and some suffering from a bit of mal-de-mer. The sea wind was as promised with gusts up to 26 knots making the sea lumpy in patches and rolly in others. The course was a good mix of beats, and reaches plus a long down-wind section from Chi to North Sturbridge which allowed a leisurely lunch. Towards the end I think all were getting tired and keen to get in so the race being shortened was welcomed. In the end 8 boats finished and all had a pontoon party at Hasler as the slightly sunny afternoon turned into a drizzly evening.