Thursday night involved a game of Molky which Mel won after a very long game where the midges were a significant distraction, and then 49 tea lights were lit. Simon arrived at 01:10.

Friday morning was windless and hot, and on the field it was unimaginable that there would really be a F4 later in the day, so working out what to wear was a difficult decision and most chose their dry suit despite boiling at the start.

The water arrived later than forecasted and we launched into a F3 in clear sun at about 11:30. Trio Mel Steve, Vision Vanessa Andy, Sport14 Debbie Morgan, Versa Paul Penny, Wayfarer Simon Martin, Pacer Bill, GP14 Mike David, Trio Alan Stephen, Laser 2k Jenny Roy, walkabout Ginny and Phoebe.

We sailed first to Round Island and failed to see the seal, then up to Shipstall Point to observe the “No Landing” signs, and then onto Rockley for first lunch. 10 boats anchored above the lee shore and we enjoyed coffee and packed lunches.

Roy and Jenny headed home while 9 boats sailed North of Brownsea through racing fleets of Ospreys, Contenders, X Class, Lasers, Wayfarers, Flying 15s, Dart 18s, Dayboats, Merlin Rockets, and individual Solos, Aeros and so on.

We mustered at the Eastern end of Brownsea while the racing Lasers and Wayfarers came towards us and threaded our way through them to stop at Shell Bay for a disappointing wait for food and drink. We needed to be back for 5pm and left at 4pm for the beat back to the beach.
Stephen conducted a day long experiment of sailing in a reefed Trio without breaking out the Jib, and that boat kept up well until the final beat home when it was clear that a Trio needs the jib pulling effectively to make to windward.

We were joined in the fleet by Penny, a friend of Paul, and she’s clearly a talented dinghy sailor and seemed to have a good day with us.

Many BBQs were lit and were turned into campfires for a whole camp gathering.

The picture is of our briefing on the field in the morning.