by Antony Sluce

Nine members gathered on the hard-standing by the lake on a blustery morning and went through the start-of-the-season fumbling, trying to remember the wonder method for rigging the boat worked out at the end of last season. Peter Filshie was there with his new Coaster, preparing for its first launch. John Coleman joined us for his first sail with the DCA. The wind was blowing down the lake onto the slip, so getting off was difficult, but did not detract from the excitement of the first lifting of the boat to the popple on the water.

Three boats set off under much reduced canvas after lunch, but it was really no pleasure for the first sail of the season, and after beating half down the narrow part of the lake we ran back under bare poles and moored in the little cove by the slip, out of the wind. John did not notice us hiding there and put us to shame by reaching the sailing club before turning back. He had adapted his Mirror so that he could double-reef the main, and had made to windward very well.

Edwin cooked up another of his extravaganzas and seven of us sat in Colin’s Coaster to eat it. As the light went we sat round with the Tilley lamp keeping us warm yarning.

To my surprise I slept well with two sleeping bags, and woke with the sun streaming into the end of the tent. Suddenly the whole thing became worthwhile. As the temperature rose, all the hours sorting out gear in the winter retreated into nothing. The wind had taken off and we were left with a perfect day for shaking down. I was joined by seven of my relations, some of whom were accommodated in Colin’s and Peter’s boats, and we all rafted together for lunch at the far end of the lake. Recovery passed off without a hitch. It all seemed a most auspicious start to the season.