From the outset the available dates and tides were not ideal. So the Passage race was moved to Saturday and the Sunday races were scheduled to take place back to back and as early as practical.

Sixteen boats came to the line for the passage race and with very little drama the whole fleet sailed the course in a fair breeze. It seemed so easy that half the fleet thought they were in with a chance of success! The only cloud on the horizon was Sunday's forecasted wind, or should I say lack of it. The race officer discussed the situation and a range of options were considered.

Motoring onto Breydon, Morning Calm was the first boat to raise sail. Despite the strong incoming tide it was possible to make progress eastward, albeit at crawling pace. The decision to move the fleet down towards Yarmouth and race back with the tide proved ideal in the circumstances and by the mid part of the race the wind had picked up enough for the fleet to sail past the committee boat, round a mark and return for a finish. By the time the last boat had finished the wind was a good deal better and the second race was sailed in a fair breeze despite the forecasted drift.

All in all and against the odds the weekend was a great success, with Evergreen the stand out yacht.

Thanks to all who volunteered, to the OODs Lisa and Jimmy who did so well under the circumstances and of course to all the boats and crews who made the event such a success.

Looking forward to seeing you all at our next event The Autumn Open at Cantley on the 19^th and 20^th September.

Bill Clark