A beautiful sunny day greeted all 12 of the entrants (six each from Emsworth Slipper and Emsworth Sailing club) who gathered on the Quay for the 09.40 briefing.
A course was set to make the best of the northerly/nor'easterly breeze for perfect sailing. But as usual the breeze had other ideas and did its best to test the patience of the most hardened sailor. Choosing a course between the marks became something of a lottery.
Emsworth Sailing club members seemed to master the conditions more effectively over the first 5 races before the half time break, taking a small overall lead in spite of several first places shared by Richard Calas and Dave Cockerill
Most were grateful for a brief respite. A big wind shift at the start of the second half forced a course change, only to be changed back again one race later. But this must have upset their rythm, because the Slipper sailors fought back bravely and some great tactical racing started to take place, in particular between Jonny Hepworth and Dave Cockerill who was taken way beyond the finishing mark for ESC benefit. Rod Carr and Dave manfully accepted positions for team benefit whilst both racing for line honors.
John H-B did a great job, taking part in his first ERS event and providing invaluable support to the Slipper team.
Race 9 proved to be the pivotal one in deciding the winning team with the slipper team sailors fighting through the field after a mediocre start to steal the day.
A great day was had by all topped off nicely with a few pints in the bar afterwards.
