Red Alert The Lost Photo

This was Thorpe Bay Nationals – looks like I was quite well placed in this one. One of the Bond brothers up ahead and just to left of the windward mark. Not sure of the others – possibly Ken Falcon is one.

Like I said – the Hood sail was a development sail and would like to think that with a better shape low down when fully loaded there was more to come upwind. It was a weakness when it was really blowing hard ( and it was blowing –hence the image shared previously with the helm is nowhere to be seen). Otherwise, nice period sunglasses and a shame about the (in period) moustache!

I also have strong memories of the stinging sensation from the saltwater washing the sun cream off my forehead into my eyes. Incredibly unpleasant at the time.

I didn’t do too badly in that week – 10th or 11th overall despite having to count a clunking result as a result of one race when we managed to have a Olympic course with no windward leg whatsoever. I flunked the start and although I Protested the race – it was turned down. Never understood how the race instructions could prescribe an Olympic course ( which is carefully described with triangle, sausages and a windward leg). Should have ended up in the first half dozen overall really.

The following year at Paignton nationals I wound up a couple of places further back at the end of the week – despite not having sailed all year. It was a mainly light weather week too – never Red Alerts strong suite. Oddly, I sort of lost a bit of interest as a result – and with family and business priorities pressing, Ian became the new owner.

Enjoy…