We managed to get three TOMs out on the water on Saturday 9th December for a race practice session. It could have been four, as we had a skipper and crew for a fourth boat, but only three TOMs were available, as the other three are currently being refurbished.

We experienced very light and varied wind conditions, which made for challenging race conditions. However, this presented an excellent learning opportunity!

The plan was to race with spinnakers, but due to a slight mishap with the spinnaker rig on TOM #2, we decided to race with white sails only. Unfortunately, the longer course was laid for racing with spinnakers, and for fresher wind conditions than experienced, so we only managed to complete one race.

This time the crews included:

TOM #2

Hugh Epsom (skipper)

Paddy Bettesworth

Marc Ruhe

Saskia Dormaar

TOM #3

Allen Bradley (skipper)

Mitch Yount

Kevin Drake

Karen Gardner

TOM #4

Chris de Boer (skipper)

Richard Pipkin

Mary McGrath

Karin Wieder

Race results:

1st TOM#2

2nd TOM#3

3rd TOM#4

Remember that you do not need to have any racing experience. Experienced sailors share their expertise with novices. This event is open to everyone who has been on a sailing boat before, and who has a basic understanding of sailing.

Why not come and join us for the next TOMs practise event?

Hugh