Four Herons arrived on a cloudy and blustery Sunday morning at the 100 acre reservoir of Cransley SC, set in rolling Northamptonshire countryside. The reservoir is of an interesting shape and, on this day, had various clumps of weed dotted around, like bunkers on a golf course. The forecast was for winds of force 3 – 4, but it was quickly obvious that the south-westerly winds were more like a force 4 – 5, gusting to 6. The local Heron sailors had agreed, without exception, to opt out of sailing in such winds and although Philip Lund registered for the event he opted out of competing in the first race, and then the second, after first venturing into the centre of the lake from the relatively sheltered launching area beneath the elevated clubhouse. Thus there were only three Herons on the water when the first race commenced, though they shared the water with a varied assortment of 13 Comets.

The first race saw a complicated course comprising 4 gybes and a long beat up the full length of the reservoir. Matthew Pickett led from the start and enjoyed overhauling a number of the straggling Comets (which had started first). Unfortunately Jon Hunt capsized before the first mark and spent the rest of the race upside down visiting various reed beds. Peter Bolton fared better and managed to remain upright and finish second. At the lunchtime break Matthew was clearly delighted with his gybing plan at Mark E, at which almost all the crews of the Comets/Comet Duo’s went for a swim at one stage or other. However Matthews’ confidence at this stage that “Herons very rarely capsize” slightly backfired in the next race.

A new course was set for this second race: a figure of 8, with an exhilarating reach across the length of the lake. The winds were even stronger now, mainly of force 5 but gusting 6-7. Both Jon and Peter made a number of unscheduled nature trails into the weeds/reeds and along the dam embankment. Not to be outdone, Matthew also took a dip but managed to finish despite much of his Heron being below the waterline.

All three sailors decided that watching the Chinese gybing of the Comets in the late afternoon was better than risking another soaking and no-one argued with their decision, despite the slight slackening of the winds!

The day was a real challenge for all who took part, as well as the rescue crews. It was noted that the helms – in both fleets - sailed in such a manner that penalties were not required – perhaps due to a fear of having to do turns (with the inevitable duckings!).