Count your rainbows not your thunderstorms

Published 17:20 on 2 Aug 2021

I was worried last Friday as we were battered by storm Evert that our annual Squib Ringstead race and beach BBQ would have to be cancelled.However despite a mixed forecast for the Sunday, we were blessed with some good weather and rainbows.Three squibs, Filch, Hope and Inquisition started the race from X Mark with Mark Bugler and family acting as RO from yacht Saskia VII.The fleet was escorted at a distance by nine cruises and two Yobs in the club 420 Milo. After a short beat to P the Squibs set spinnakers for the downwind leg to Ringstead. We held station on Saskia near White Nothe where we watched the downwind tactical decisions play out. The decision was which side of the cruise liner to sail, with two squibs going one way and one the other. However as it happened they all finished quite close together with Inquisition taking the win with Hope followed by Filch.Nine cruisers anchored off Burning Cliff, which is at the eastern end of Ringstead beach with the Squibs and 420 dinghy mooring behind. Thanks are due to Roger and Cliff for safely escorting all the members to and from the shore in the club rib. There is usually a shore break on Ringsted beach and this year was no exception which made transitions sometimes difficult. Top scores go to myself for a less than elegant backflip (with tuck) into the rib and Mike Street for a black flip into the water (with dog) for extra points.While members enjoyed their BBQÄôs and the odd beer, they were entertained by more adventurous members and their children who displayed their prowess on our paddle boards. The award for best male goes to Paul Lloyd (Springbok) and Joan White (Greyknot) who both demonstrated the standing up version of the sport in challenging conditions.The race back for the Squibs was a long beat all the way back to the club line with Phil and Ali Ashworth joining the fleet in the club Squib, Artful Dodger. It turned out to be a tricky beat with both the offshore and inshore route being favoured at times. Andrew and Sue lead all the way to the finish in their new boat Filch but due to navigational error at the start Simon and Gill in Hope claimed the race win and overall trophy.We all retired to the club terrace for a last drink as the sun down went where the best possible options for the last beat were endlessly debated. It was agreed that the event was a great success with 60 attending and that more often than not we are lucky with the weather. This is an annual event and if you missed it this year make it a date in your diary next year!Mark BuglerSaskia VII

Last updated 13:28 on 22 March 2025