Despite the somewhat wet and windy forecast, seven boats turned up for this year's Turkey Race and all of them set off to race; albeit that four decided reefing was prudent.  In the event, the weather was better than expected, with a reasonably sensible south westerly and some sunshine.  The usual course with a loop upriver was set, the majority of which was a tack up on the tide and dead run back down: potentially interesting at times with the wind occasionally gusting and fluking from odd directions.

Fine Lady 2 sadly didn't get far, initially running aground and then having a mainsheet block come adrift, at which point they retired.  They were not the only ones to find the shallow bits though, with Valkyrie II, Sweetpea and Morning Calm all landing on the mud at least once.  With a 'gate' start, it was difficult to judge how well or poorly each yacht was doing, but Alice Rose, starting a minute behind Vixen, soon overtook her and finished six minutes in front to take line honours.  David Radley, hedging his bets in an attempt to ensure securing the prize turkey, crewed on Vixen, who was second to finish and these two boats ultimately took first and second places respectively on corrected time; Vixen winning the ducks.

Next fastest on the water was Morning Calm, but Bill could not hold off Valkyrie II on corrected time and so the latter took the third place pheasants.  Marigold tried hard to acquire the last place trophy, but having neither gone aground nor reefed, could not manage to be slower than Sweetpea who did both and was slower over the water, as well as firmly in last place on handicap.  They were well and truly stuffed and duly presented with the box of stuffing and the Pakso Platter.

The sailing over, thirty two members enjoyed an excellent Christmas lunch, this year with smaller portions being available, which was a great success.  The bar staff judged the "Angels" competition, which was won by Julia and the Vice Commodore, Anthony Knights, was persuaded to draw the raffle.  This raised a number of questions: What did the other customers in the pub think of him encouraging everyone to shout out Terry's favourite description every time a pink ticket was drawn?  Did 'Goose Green' as a ticket colour refer to a location in the Falkland Islands, or was it a reference to the colour of something goose-produced that one might unfortunately step in?  Bosom Yellow?  What?  And was it just a coincidence that his wife won the hamper?!

Most dispersed after the conclusion of events, but as usual those staying on their boats remained in the pub, accompanied by Tony and Jan, to enjoy a few more drinks, some lively conversation and the by now traditional cheese and port before bedtime.