Watch this space for updates during the week at Datchet!
Friday
9pm
Can't believe another year is over! Well done to all the team you've been great.
Thursday
9:40am
Great evening yesterday at local athletics centre for a mini olympics. Everyone got stuck in! Sunny and nice wind this morning, could get pretty strong later. Everyones getting a bit tired now but still enjoying themselves.
Everyone got out on the water this morning, Team managers into their meeting then a thunderstorm rolled in so all sailors were sent in. Heavy showers through the rest of the day livened things up but the afternoon provided some light wind sailing. We're a little behind on races now so trying to make that up tomorrow.
A lot of the results coming through are very provisional due to problems recording the very large numbers of boats crossing the line. Everyone is sailing well though and making some places up. Lots of work going on to understand all the racing rules.
This evening three Mum's have turned up to help armed with the chocolate game, getting everyone involved. The team are having fun together in the camp (luckily dry). It's really nice to see everyone getting on so well, we think it must be one of the best teams ever.
Wednesday
4pm
Good sailing this morning in the special races- mount hayes, single handed and all comers. Very windy. Chilling on site now.
Really good to have everyone out racing today to get some different experience. We had Oli & Andrew as our A team entry for the Mount Hayes double handed trophy and Cheryl and Tom H as the B team entry. Both teams went out in the first heat but sailed brilliantly given the difficult conditions.
James, Luke and Tom J sailed the Single Handed Trophy against the top few Topper sailors from each team. All others entered the All Comers Persuit Race, taking a tour of the whole reservoir!
All were a little reluctant to go to the Athletics centre for the Mini Olympics but really got stuck in once there. Particularly Oli who ended up with most of the younger sailors so was handicaped in the relay race by having to run backwards or take someone piggy back! Everyone nice and tired afterwards so bed early. Fun had by all.
Tuesday
All breakfasted and raring (or not!) to go!
1pm
No sailing yet today, no wind :(
5pm
Wind picked up this afternoon, sailors just coming in after 1 or 2 races. Slightly concerned about the rain forecast for tonight!
8:30pm
It was good to get some sailing in this afternoon, wind filled in enough for the Rookies to do 2 races and everyone else sailed one. Some sailors a little more frustrated with their results today but all doing pretty well.
This evening some have been to a racing debrief, the younger ones going to the organised raft building. Seemed to be much enjoyed and gave the team managers a few minutes peace! Apprently our team won but we're not sure what to believe! The older ones are listening to music in camp.
Hoping the forecast for rain tonight is wrong! Tomorrow is the special races such as Mount Hayes (in double handed Topper Xenons), Single Handers and All Comers races. We hope that everyone will be out on the water in one of these.
Provisional results can be seen here . (Use the selectors on the left to see results).
Monday
12:20pm
Sailors just heading in from first race, lovely sunny day force 2-3. Andrew has a 5th place, CHarlie a 3rd (accross the line not inc. handicap). Lunch now being carried up the 100+ steps from base of reservoir!
A great start to the week, force 2-3 in the morning. Everyone did really well for the first race at a new event. Lots of big grins when everyone came in. Well done in particular to Tom Jeffery for getting a 7th place in one race!
After lunch the wind picked up to a force 4-5 so made conditions a bit more challenging. Andew made the most of it with a 4th place in his fleet, as did Charlie getting a 4th place in the Rookie fleet! Tom Haywood's been doing well in the Radials, about half way up the fleet. But we are really impressed with everyone's efforts.
Most sailors were pretty tired at the end of the day, so went to a racing debrief then took things easy. Becky attended the NSSA AGM then the team managers went to the commodore's reception for a bit of peace and quiet! Thanks to the parents who took charge of the team.
Sunday
On our way to datchet!
Becky 9:40am - ish
Set up camp, sorted boats, fed and enjoying a sunny evening :)
8pm-ish
9pm - Looking forward to a great weeks sailing! The wind looks pretty promising and the weather good for the beginning of the week at least.
The team are getting on well already and enjoying themselves.
Getting Colin out of his little tent could be interesting in the mornings and he's most upset that there was no pudding! Glad we brought the ear plugs and not only because we're under the flight path to Heathrow!
It's lovely to have everyone here together excited about the week ahead!
