Delph SC 2006

Leigh & Lowton Juniors went travelling -
Who Checked the Forecast at Delph

Another Saturday, and another early start, some were so eager they were waiting for the gates of Delph Sailing Club to open at 8:30am!!!!!!!!! - its worth noting that even the midges were out & ravenous at that time!

A large number of sailors (38 boats) arrived at Delph for their first hosting of the NWJTT travelling circus, a good number of visitors from Redesmere, & Leigh and Lowton battling for the box of choccies (yes……………. they’re back on the prize list at last) which was approved (consumed quickly) by an eager Team Leigh & Lowton.

Wind predictions were not looking good although a shifty force 1-2 filled in as the first race got underway at 11am. The Lasers took early control of this race, making good use of the breeze as it separated the fleet. With the bit between the teeth Sophie skilfully took 3rd place as the larger topper fleet battled it out, a battle which saw Katlyn take 2nd & Sarah 3rd Toppers on the water.

Pressure from back to back weekend sailing events saw a number of Mum’s opting to stay away, at the ‘Robbie Williams’ concert, walking the dog and doing household chores while the Dad’s rigged boats, nervously paced the shore and drank tea to calm the situation. Nothing was going according to plan in any camp - even a walk to Bolton Sailing club was on the cards at one point or a spot of blackberry collecting in the woods , anything to take the mind off the ‘action’ on the water.

A good hearty lunch was prepared by the galley (great jam doughnuts for 20p) and the fleets were back on the water for race 2, with even less wind filtering over the dam wall. Andrew Price made excellent progress to the leeward mark in the first lap as Mike (I need some binoculars) Baldwin and Anne (I’ve produced another delicious homemade tart) Baldwin were seen to give up the crossword and comment on his best position ever during a race. Mike Barnes discovered that New sails can affect performance in a negative way as the trusty Hyde was brought out for race 2, the new sail may get an airing on the lawn before the next event. It was too much for some as retirements grew from frustrating wind pattern and after 2 laps the line was set. Apparently, parental snoozing in the car during the races may also not improve performance but it is preferable to BetaBlockers. A large number of the competitors completely forgot their training at this point as concentration on wind & tactics gave way to chatter, singing (Queen: Don't Stop Me Now) & general enjoyment of the afternoon, will we ever be able to turn these guys into Olympic standard sailors?

The lack of wind forced the race team to abandon efforts to start a 3rd race

This was first NWJTT event that we've been to at Delph & they produced a well run event, shame about the light airs but a very friendly crowd & warm welcome. A quick round up of results soon had a well received medal for all competitors, cups for the winners & an unusual early dart ready for the final event at West Lancs on the 7th October.

Series Results so far - Leigh & Lowton Juniors in the top places of both Handicap & Optimist fleets with only one event to go!!

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