Those of you who have seen “Good Morning Vietnam”, will know that I am misquoting Robin Williams when I write, hot and sweaty is ok when you’re with a lady, but not on a Flying Fifteen. Don’t take my word for it, just read Steve Randle’s report (20^th/6).  I admire his attempt to follow Bing Crosby’s advice, “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative”. Steve managed to make sailing upwind sound positively idyllic whilst sketching over the horror of the downwind. In similar vein, I have to applaud Richard Ledger who managed to make the ‘arripaye’ pursuit race sound interesting – the fact that a Dolphin won the whole event probably paints a truer picture. Anyway, at least they avoided the canon fire from the Quay! Some time ago, I wrote in a past newsletter, about the French sacking Poole in retaliation for the exploits of ‘Arripaye’. I was surprised, therefore, to read in Richard’s report that the Spanish were responsible. After further research (yes, ok, I used AI!), it turns out it was a joint French/Spanish force, so we were both right Richard! So, with a nod to the old crooner’s advice, let’s see who has done well this month!
Pride of place must go to Steve Randle, aided and abetted by Paul and Lisa. In seven races sailed plus one duty, their average position of fifth shows quality consistency given that we have had a mixture of winds. That coupled with good finishes in April and May has resulted in 4019 winning the ‘Wednesday Spring Cup’, which, as the name suggests is awarded to the winner of the Wednesday Spring Series. As you might expect, Roberta & John, in 4016, gave them a run for their money, as did Geof with a variety of new crews for this series. Someone else who has had a very positive month is Crispin accompanied by his old mucker, Steve, and a couple of guest crews. To say he’s risen like a phoenix from the ashes is, arguably hyperbolic, but after a lean spell, 4101 has appeared on the podium four times this month, three of them being on the top step!
We sailed six races this month which gave us four different winners and six separate report writers. It’s true that the winning boat often comes from a select group of sailors, but the other podium places are definitely up for grabs. I must, therefore give a shout out to a pair who have joined the latter group for the first time – 4119, guided by Tim and Edith or should that be Edith and Tim!? The latter’s report (27^th) gives us a clear insight into Tim’s technical wizardry and into the dynamics on board 4119. If we decided to have a special couple’s race in the fleet, would that be a good thing or would it increase the divorce rate figures? Naturally, I have to say that on 3974 everything is sweetness and light, but that might be because Wolfie has taken my place for most of June!
I noticed in the ‘Commodore’s Chatter’ that he made a comment about dinghy numbers being down, possibly as a result of inclement weather. Our figures show there is some truth to this, but they are still healthy. Our overall average turn-out for June was 14 boats. This breaks down to Wednesdays: 17 boats and Saturdays: 11. Given the appalling conditions in May, I think we can say that the patient is recovering well, just in time for a bumper re-arranged ‘Big fleet day’. I’ll be speaking to the weather gurus before choosing the alternative date but it will definitely/maybe (one for Oasis fans!) be in July.
These aren’t the only positives I have to report this month. I need to return to the re-emergent fortunes of 4101 because Crispin and Steve were the 1^st Flying Fifteen in the ‘arripaye’ pursuit race (2^nd overall), and are, therefore, the winners of the Phil Owen Cup which is awarded for a long-distance race around the harbour, and if Richard L is to be believed (and I do!) it was indeed long! We also have to celebrate our ‘Sailors of the Month’ for June. I am delighted to announce that Crispin and Steve’s golden month continues because they are the winners of Wednesday’s competition in which they notched up victory over 33 boats. Somewhat fewer boats entered the Saturdays’ competition which was won by Chris & Nadia defeating 17 boats in total. Well done to both teams.
Although the Rasputin police finally caught up with a miscreant and repeated leaver of his boat without permission (Mervyn), there was no fresh award for this month. This last sentence was written before I received the news that 4101, Crispin and Steve were awarded the cup for going aground off Old Harry Rocks – I guess the clue is in the name chaps! Wolfie’s unscheduled departure from 3974 was deemed mild enough to warrant only the award of an open water swimming certificate, which Mervyn has decreed must be placed on the stern of 3974. I am going to have to find some way of highlighting the fact that this one was nothing to do with me! If this carries on, we are going to need smaller stickers or a bigger boat!
I am truly impressed with the standard of report writing this season. Judging the reporter of the month is taking longer and longer. I have already mentioned several of them in this newsletter. Simon Redhead’s report was not one of these, but was also an excellent effort, delighting us with astronomical titbits and referencing an Australian band I’d never heard of! However, after much separate deliberation on the part of myself and Andrew, I am pleased to say that we were in total agreement and can, therefore, announce that the winner of the reporter of the month bespoke pencil is Team Linder. Whether it was Michael or Kim who played the greater role in producing the final report is unknown, but I’m putting money on Ian’s input being purely verbal! 
Well, that’s it for June. One thing I have learnt this month is that so-called routine operations can turn out to be anything but! Let’s hope that we have a lovely sunny force 3 to celebrate our big fleet day in July. Something else to look forward to is the launch of David MacLeman’s tracking extravaganza which he and a team of dedicated supporters have been trialling for our benefit. Thank you, David and the team, for all this work, and I forgive you David for sending us all those wonderful pictures of your fantastic adventures whilst we are suffering the ravages of a contemporary British summer!