Well once again we are sat at home with a cup of tea and the nights drawing in, the boats de-rigged and wrapped up for winter contemplating the long winter ahead.  It’s at this time of year I look back on the season and wonder how it went?  And as sailing seasons go it was pretty good.  We never saw the barbeque weather that was promised back in May but we had some sailing days and awesome sailing in the bay.  With everything from a shifty force 0-1 to an exciting force 5-6 and with the latter winning the day on more than one occasion this season crews had to learn how to sail their boats in tougher conditions if they wanted to get out on the water.

This year we saw 188 boats cross the start line in 41 races that were sailed.  31 different boats were raced and 14 different class of dinghy used.  The 'Saturday 4' series was the best attended, Liz and Anthony Raynor in Palladwr Lady were the top attendees with Tim Bowden in second.

 Helped by the enthusiasm of the race officers and safety boat crews the new laid dinghy courses have proved popular and have been a great option.  Part way through the season we swapped the unwieldy large racing marks for the smaller black racing marks, a successful compromise for us to keep our laid courses and make life a little easier onboard Viking II.

The safety boat crews were busier than usual this season with increased dinghy numbers, the squibs and a certain few starting life in a new boat with swimming being one of the main lessons(myself being one of them).  Some of the YOBs found their way out onto the start line this year which was fantastic to see, as well as bringing down the average age of the crews out on the water.

As well as the joys of a busy dinghy park and the sight of dinghies on the water in Weymouth Bay once again it does bring with it some problems also.  With the yard being fuller than has been usual recently the organisation in the yard was more important this year.  With a good turnout of dinghies right up until the end of October combined with the work in the yard the keel boat lift outs were trickier than usual.  But with some understanding and cooperation from both sections of the club the lift outs went smoothly once again.  And with all the dinghies moved out of the yard on time this year space is available for the keel boats in the yard.

Next season is only 4 months away and with socials throughout the winter including the YOBs bingo, class dinners and the prize giving dinner dance, it will soon fly by.  In my experience the sooner you start on your boat maintenence the quicker you are out on the water, so get started.  And remember that there are always people willing to give helpful advice(whether wanted or not!), we can use the website's forums(available when you login) to exchange thoughts and ideas.  Hope to see you all at the club soon.