Folly Weekend

Sponsors - Krueger

Kruger Folly Races

A perfect weekend brought out loads of line entries for the Kruger Folly weekend, so much so that the berthing master was grumblin’, no matter we all got in – somehow.

Leaway, the Royal Motor start boat was on station mid-bay and set a good course giving a beat to East Hook for all five classes. After East Hook spinnakers were set for the long reach and run to the line off Cowes. Superb sailing conditions with the sun popping its head out to further improve the day. Good times were recorded and all were in, tied –up and with beer in hand before 16.00.

The rendezvous was brought forward to 18.30 as the Folly expected a busy evening, but we all found seats – if not together. Good food and company was to be had, there was music too and the usual suspects were seen dancing on the tables – thank goodness there’s no Health and Safety police on the Isle of Wight!

Our return was a tad early to be able to take advantage of a full English in the Folly but there was the glorious aroma of cooking bacon all around the fleet. Some felt that the return start time was a little late and set-off early to beat the tide through Hurst. These ‘doubters’ would have been right too if the breeze hadn’t played ball, as it was we had a lovely beat with the tide and everyone made it before the tide changed. Out in Christchurch Bay some managed to fetch past Hengistbury Head whilst others had to tack-out, we fetched past Bournemouth Pier before tacking for Bar Buoy off Branksome, even so we’d over-done it and had to bear-off a little for the mark – will we never learn?

Typical of a welcome home, the wind piped-up for the reach down the Swash to the finish – five hours, not too bad for a beat, much of which against the tide. Oh and full-on sunshine too, all-in-all a perfect weekend (except we didn’t win!).

(Thanks JW for this report - webmaster )