As we were all going out racing on Monday night, French Olympic team RIBs were to be seen roaring off to the Shambles for a different kind of training - this time some serious fishing!
By now accustomed to the mysteries of the Shambles bank, Steph Christidis and his friends from the 49er and 470 crews were able to bring back a catch of mackerel and sea bass of near-biblical proportions, which everyone set to to clean and gut under the security lights with the easy expertise of professional fishermen, discussing the currents and breakers they had experienced finding the best spots on the bank. Hooker's Dock has never seen, or heard, anything like it! The team loaded any club members still around with gifts of fish and everyone went home with as many as they could carry - and then some!
The spontaneous energy and generosity of spirit are what we will miss about the French sailors when they've left us, and we wish them well in the coming weeks. Merci bien les gars et bonne mer pour les Jeux!
Steve Fraser
Submitted on 26th June 2012