Wicksteed Park MBC ‘Fun Run’ Steering Course
The new steering event was held at the lake on Saturday 17th August, and hopes were high that the weather would remain pleasant! When we arrived we already found several members off-loading their boats in the car park ready to go sailing. With the help of the club members present the small club gazebo was erected, just incase, as we all know that the dreaded ‘vertical mist’ was due to descent on us in the afternoon. With Rob’s trusty grill, and Les and Joan’s generator, the afternoon lunch was ready for those who had bought their sausages and burgers with them. An abundant of cakes of all sizes and types were available, kindly prepared by Maureen and Janet, there was even Birthday cake for ‘Nigel of the Lake’ with a model boat perched on top! Happy Birthday Nigel!
I jumped in the lake to ensure that the course was where we left it on the previous Thursday, and after a few minor adjustments everything was ready to go. With Rob as the other time keeper, the steering course fun run was started at 11am with Alan showing everyone how to do it! Models of every kind were entered from the smallest fishing boat to a warship. At times the wind crept in to create an extra challenge for those with high sided models but the fun atmosphere ensured it didn’t ruin the run, there were some very impressive runs, even the Chairman, after his problems with his boat, put in a good time! The two youngest members of the club, Jye and Ieuan had a go with their boats, Ieuan putting in an excellent time with his little fishing boat, a remarkable achievement in which he managed to half his original time, so well done Ieuan!
I jumped in the lake to ensure that the course was where we left it on the previous Thursday, and after a few minor adjustments everything was ready to go. With Rob as the other time keeper, the steering course fun run was started at 11am with Alan showing everyone how to do it! Models of every kind were entered from the smallest fishing boat to a warship. At times the wind crept in to create an extra challenge for those with high sided models but the fun atmosphere ensured it didn’t ruin the run, there were some very impressive runs, even the Chairman, after his problems with his boat, put in a good time! The two youngest members of the club, Jye and Ieuan had a go with their boats, Ieuan putting in an excellent time with his little fishing boat, a remarkable achievement in which he managed to half his original time, so well done Ieuan!
The Club 500s were put through their paces, Nigel setting the first time, shortly followed by Alan, Paul, and Adam. It was a joy to see the boats attempt to follow the course without hitting the marker buoys, the skill of the sailors was much to be admired.
After the Club 500s had their run, lunch was served with Rob as head chef, and the results were announced:
Class 1: 1st- Les with Pilot Boat
2nd- Mick S with Maggie M
Class 2: 1st- Steve B with Armoured Target Boat
2nd- Clive with Jules Verne
3rd- Keith with Yorkshireman
Class 3: 1st- Alan I with Patrol Boat
2nd- Mick S with Fishing Boat
3rd- Paul M with Snowberry
Club 500: 1st- Alan I
2nd- Adam
3rd- Paul M
4th- Nigel M
Everybody had a enjoyable time and hopefully another Fun Steering Course will be held soon.
I would like to thank Rob Mitchell for cleaning/painting all the marker buoys and being a time keeper (and being head chef!), Nigel Marriott for helping to set up the course on the Thursday, Paul and Maureen Millers for their overall assistance with the organising and setting up of the event, and everyone who helped, had a go, or supported the club. See you next time.
Nick Brown.
After the Club 500s had their run, lunch was served with Rob as head chef, and the results were announced:
Class 1: 1st- Les with Pilot Boat
2nd- Mick S with Maggie M
Class 2: 1st- Steve B with Armoured Target Boat
2nd- Clive with Jules Verne
3rd- Keith with Yorkshireman
Class 3: 1st- Alan I with Patrol Boat
2nd- Mick S with Fishing Boat
3rd- Paul M with Snowberry
Club 500: 1st- Alan I
2nd- Adam
3rd- Paul M
4th- Nigel M
Everybody had a enjoyable time and hopefully another Fun Steering Course will be held soon.
I would like to thank Rob Mitchell for cleaning/painting all the marker buoys and being a time keeper (and being head chef!), Nigel Marriott for helping to set up the course on the Thursday, Paul and Maureen Millers for their overall assistance with the organising and setting up of the event, and everyone who helped, had a go, or supported the club. See you next time.
Nick Brown.
