With a forecast of 13-15mph winds and the promise of "some sun" the second attempt at the Squib Ringstead Barbecue Race was made on Sunday 14th August. The Capp's boat "Crystella", with Ernie as a special guest, was to be the committee boat.
Only three Squibs made it to the start line [where was everyone?], then a close fought battle took place, but Crystella just made it as the Squibs flew across the bay. With anchors dropped, Ray ferried everyone in our tender. As usual, there was a fair bit of surf, and Patrick and Rob did a sterling job of helping to keep the tender upright. With barbecues lit, a vast array of food appeared and just the odd bottle or two.
We were just thinking about clearing up when Simon noticed his Squib had started dragging it's anchor. Quantum had been happily bobbing for over an hour, what no-one had appreciated was that the wind had picked up and we later discovered that the wind was gusting up to 24mph! Ray looked like one of those clockwork toys, wound to capacity, as he rowed Simon to his boat, but they made it in time and we decided that we had all better get a spurt on before it happened to anyone else. With another close fought battle, we then had a dilemma, Caroline and Colin who were first in the outward leg were second in the return leg, and Jill and Simon who were second in the outward leg were first in the return leg.
We all met up in the club afterwards [there was no-one else there, again, where was everybody?] and the decision was made that because Jill and Simon had had the greater lead, the Ernie Lee Trophy should be presented to them. Well done to all those who took part. A good time was had by all!
Submitted on 20th August 2011