LOOE SAILING CLUB

Redwing week started last Sunday with a record entry for many years of 23 boats from the Isles of Scilly, Tenby, Brittany, Oxford, North Devon and Salcombe plus, of course, a large home contingent from Looe.

Two races back to back were held on the first day in bright sunny conditions, the first with a light breeze while it strengthened for the second giving a better sail. First blood went to R226 with Matt Jaycock and Francis Marshall from Looe aboard, who pipped R243 Arthur and Tamzin Kinver right on the finishing line after the latter had led for the whole race.

The second race went to R245 Dave Jackman and John Crabb, also from Looe, who relished the stronger conditions.

Monday brought a very wet morning with stronger winds making for uncomfortable conditions for sailors and safety boat crews alike.

The race started with Keith Buchanan, from Scilly, aboard R251 Shag taking an early clear lead only to capsize at the gybe mark, the first of several who were caught out at this point. This gave newcomer to the fleet Paul Dunn, with Chris Jackman crewing, the opportunity to get into the lead. Despite one or two nervy moments they managed to stay ahead for a very well-deserved victory – the first for the new boat launched the previous week and the first win in Paul’s sailing career. Second place went to Matt Jaycock and Francis Marshall who led the series with a first and two seconds in the first three races.

Guest speaker at the commodore’s reception on Sunday evening was Looe mayor Armand Toms, who added a warm welcome to Looe to the fleet after a potted history of the Redwing and a few personal memories from Looe commodore Rob Dewe.