Colne Match readiness.

Slack Sails, Cambria in light airs; Picture by Dave Brooks.

The excitement is building towards this weekend’s final race of the season, the Colne Match.  There has been a flurry of comment flying back and forth within Facebook, starting with Ed Gransden’s ridiculously early start this morning sailing to get there. Ed now comments, “What a fantastic sail over to the Colne!” and predicts, “It’s going to be the most competitive Staysail Class ever. Repertor, Niagara, Melissa, Reminder and Decima will all be vying with us for honours, coupled with Edme and Marjorie in bowsprit and Cambria and Lady of the Lea in Coasting”. Let’s hope so, Ed!

Martin Phillips adds that “Cambria’s crew are out practising today. Hilary was drilling them on setting all manner of sails, chasing them into their allocated duty positions armed with a glowing ciggie and a rope whip. And that was yesterday before the barge was afloat at the quay, they just arrived, stepped across me and put their bags down and there she she was training them. Richard was making the tea! That’s how the Team Titchener win so many races – training and tea!”

And if you’re still interested in taking a sail, SB Greta has decided not to hang up 2012 just yet and has added some dates to her chartering calendar in Whitstable. Steve has posted the following.

SCHEDULED SAILING DATES SEPTEMBER 2012,

Saturday 8th – Full
Sunday 9th – Full
Monday 10th – Full
Tuesday 11th – 11.30am till 5.30pm
Wednesday 12th – Please call Steve 07711657919
Thursday 13th – 9am till 3pm
Friday 14th – 9am till 3pm
Saturday 15th – Full