A test of the constitution

By Martin H. – 28/03/2023

It was a day to test the constitution of the hardiest helm. Five lasers made the journey to a long line over by B. The forecast of an easing wind proved about as accurate as a former prime minister’s understanding of what constitutes a party.

With gusts regularly hitting over 30knots, the river was angry and boiling, with the waves dragging mud from the bottom to create a cauldron of frothing mulligatawny spume. After one more hull inspection than strictly necessary, Matt Leigh decided that the shore looked more inviting and well, I strongly considered joining him.

Two courses both port handed via galleons the first time and B, C and F the second. The latter mark had been the cause of some concern on launching, as it was spotted languishing next to the slipway.

Just like the weather, the results were far from predictable and resident boat whisperer, Steve Videlo, clearly distracted by a brief taste of the E-coli, allowed Patrick Cooney in the club laser to slip through for a win.

Jos put in a stellar performance, staying the right way up for both races and looking composed at all times. The RO kept it mercifully brief as the rescue boats were all doing overtime with multiple gear failures and capsizes across all fleets.

It finished with Cooney & Videlo swapping first and second, Jos in third and your humble scribe bringing up the rear.