This year’s Easter series was run in ideal conditions with the wind varying between 15 and 25 knots in sunny weather. Windward-leeward courses were used with a spreader mark at the top of the course and a choice of leeward marks. For a change from the normal format, we had two days of racing with four races per day. The Monks, father and son have been the in-form sailors and at least Monk senior was doing well on the first day with a 2.0 & 3.0 score, but with Monk junior , aka Rasputin off the pace with a 7.0 DSQ. A call to arms from the Tsarina put pay to the Monks’ day leaving the field very open. There were four different winners, with James mrthehud, new sailor 1/2wayround Chris, Bugsey and HannsSolo all taking wins. At the end of the day it was the consistent sailing from HannsSolo and help from the force that took him to first position.
Come the bank holiday Monday there was an edge to the wind and form ebbed and flowed. HannsSolo had a shocker, dropping down to 10th overall. The Bandersnatch now came into his own, snarling as the beast from your worst nightmare is inclined to do. A couple of first places were enough to wrap up the series. The next 7 helms had point scores that reflected the closeness of the racing with only 6 points between them.
We look forward to upcoming evening races. Further sailors are welcome.

A page has been added to the website to give information on eSailing. It can be found under the Sailing category. http://www.leighsailingclub.org/index.php/sailing/esailing

The RYA are offering refresher sessions on navigation. Have a look and sign up!

For those missing their racing, there will be some club “eRaces” using Virtual Regatta Inshore. This can be accessed on PC or via iPhone or Android apps. A dedicated WhatsApp group has been set up to manage the races and advise the club access code. Please contact me on the treasurer’s email address or by phone if you would like to join.

Next race; 30 Mar 2020 at 14:00
https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/ To join, please set up a (free) account and go through the “sailing school” prior to the race. There is a paid-for account to set up the races, but other competitors do not need to pay. You can purchase or win various sailing aids. To join the race, go to “custom races” and then the padlock button. Ignore the offer of premium membership.

John Charles

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
We are issuing this in line with current Government coronavirus guidance, placing restrictions on movement.
To reduce social contact, travel and potential strain on emergency services, we strongly recommend that all recreation and leisure activities on the tidal Thames are avoided until further notice.
Our priority at the PLA is to help ensure the UK continues to receive essential supplies of food, fuel and medical goods at this time.
As a result, we expect to have a reduced capability in responding to recreational incidents on the river.
To support our essential port operations, we are reducing the operating hours of our harbour service patrols between Putney and Teddington.
We are grateful for your co-operation in these exceptional circumstances

24 March 2020
Port of London Authority
London River House, Royal Pier Road,
Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG
Bob Baker
Chief Harbour Master

Hi all,

In view of developments and the latest instructions from Government, I have to confirm the the lift-in is postponed indefinitely.

I understand that the Government has stated that the situation is under constant review and we will continue to look for the earliest opportunity to get back on the water.

Masts must not be raised until we have a definite date for lift-in.

In the meantime, let us stay safe and get this crises over as quickly as possible.

Best wishes

David