Puddleduck Vineyard Racing DF95 23 September 2025

[Gadget]

Well, many comments throughout the morning were heard from the 10 sailors who turned up today, along the lines of “this is the worst wind shifts that have ever been experienced at Puddleduck!”  And they were not wrong.

The day started with a strange looking grey Prado parked in a familiar spot when I arrived this morning.  Yes, welcome back Jammy!  He looked well-tanned and eager to leave us all in his wake from all the practice he got from up north.  Unfortunately, Jammy and myself stayed with our B riggs because early on, the gusts were blowing the B riggs over. The wind abated enough to give the A sail the benefit.

Gusty conditions created many unintended collisions, buoy snaring’s and boats washed aground.  The rescue dingy was dispatched many times.  I definitely got a workout in that department.

In retrospect, and with Shorty’s absence today, we should have sailed Shorty’s famous “bow tie” course and we would have at least got a good beat on one of the legs!

Trout and Buzzy finished with the same highest handicap so it’s not unusual to see they landed first and second place respectively.  JP a very close third being one point away from Buzzy. Very consistent sailing from the podium placings after drops.  Well done.

Upcoming events

30 Sep 2025 – DF65/RG65 combined racing

07 Oct 2025 – DF95 racing

Note: Puddleduck management have advised that Puddleduck will be closed at some time in the future for floor renovation.  We will still be able to sail but no Puddleduck service. We will let everyone know the date when we find out. Mabye we can bring a thermos? 🙂

 

[Shorty]

Thanks for taking on the job Gadget and for the report. And welcome back Jammy – it will be great to have you racing with the fleet again.

Cheers Shorty

[Gadget]

No worries Shorty👍.

[Trout]

Thank you, Gadget, for the great report. Not sure the results are correct, I believe I was a non-finisher (attached to a buoy – you had to retrieve “The Purple People Eater!!!) in one of the earlier races.

Cheers, Trout

[Gadget]

Oh, thanks for being honest Trout.

Never mind, it’s all in good fun 🙂👍

[Author]

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