M.P.S.C. - Dinghy Section
2010
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Metropolitan Police
Dinghy Regatta |
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The Annual Sailing Dinghy Regatta of the Metropolitan Police Sailing Section took place at Datchet Water Sailing Club - Well - Sort of! Congratulations to the winner who was virtually the only helm to get onto the water, to race - in the only race held, over just one lap.. Those who looked at the forecast beforehand were unsurprised to arrive at Datchet with the wind eventually blasting over 22 knots; which normally should be manageable for the competitors. But there were two primary factors which combined to make getting afloat a task that could not be successfully conducted without some 4 to 6 persons assisting in the launch. The problem was that after Spring repairs to the reservoir at Datchet Water, it had not yet filled up to its usual level which ordinarily allows for easy trolley launching and, as a result, there was some 6 feet of accentuated slope to contend with - and this in a Force Five onshore wind which made even launching from a pontoon, questionable. Assistance to launch is a 'given' amongst the police sailing fraternity, but how could the last few helms get afloat? That apart from getting ashore safely. The matter was never going to be resolved without a specific shorebased party.
Thus competitors stood on the shore line for quite a time contemplating the best way to get onto the water. Nick Mason managed to get afloat with assistance to be followed later by Rob Jones who, after about a quarter of an hour of buffeting, came back ashore with the sail down and having suffered costly damage. Despite walking along the shoreline in both directions, there appeared to be no easy way to get afloat. The Race Officer, Sam Nicholls delayed the start and waited patiently aboard the Committee Boat. Thus, with just a single Laser afloat, Race One was started. Nick made his way round the triangle of blue buoys without tripping up once, to be given the Finish hooter, then cautiously approached the clubhouse to be assisted ashore.
It was a disappointment for the eleven helms who had made the effort to attend. One had to be philosophical about it; there was little point in pressing on, with the high probability of sustaining damage and a day of fighting the wind instead of fellow competitors. So it was with regret, that boats were packed up for an early return home. Despite some early departures, a number stayed behind for the presentation by the DWSC Office Manager, Gabrielle Boase to the winner, Nick Mason (Met).
Event
Organiser:
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Trophies for the Metropolitan Police Open Dinghy Regatta |
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2001 -
2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 -
2006 - 2007 - 2008 :-
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