Shampain opener race report

Published 19:59 on 3 Apr 2023

Matt Thomas reports on the events of the opening weekend of racing.

The Shampain Opener is the first scheduled race of the season, and one of 4 pursuit races held over the year. Though a millpond greeted members as they arrived, a light ENE breeze filled as forecast, and allowed the first start horn at 14:15, with pursuing (faster handicapped) boats starting up to 14:30.

Alastair Wilson in his Finn executed one of the better starts and worked through the fleet to take the first win of the season, and a bottle of bubbly rather than a trophy at this season's prize giving.

As well as the racing boats, there were members rowing and canoeing, with more on the shore fettling and getting sorted for the season, and Enid's catering team getting well into their stride, offering incredible value homemade soup before racing and tea and cake afterwards.

There was a delay in producing the pursuers start times and starting the race, because the race computer had been turned off, and takes quite a run up to get going when it is first turned on (like ... minutes, and minutes). So, a reminder:

i) Please do not turn off the race computer - there is a reason that the power button is covered with a label saying not to turn it off!

ii) If you have a computer gathering dust that can handle a contemporary operating system and some very light sums, the race officers of LVSC would thank you!

Last updated 14:47 on 13 November 2023