Papercourt hosted the opening event of the Fat Face Feva circuit on 17 April and welcomed 22 crews. The wind forecasting websites proved little use to the race committee but thankfully a south-westerly Force 2 -3 kicked in for the four race series.

All races were sailed on a windward/ leeward course which provided many choices for the fleet – over and above the usual choices arising from the myriads of wind shifts that occur on the lake. The Ackroyds from Norfolk Broads SC were in their element – a tree lined inland narrow course – so the day was one of catch-up for the rest of the fleet, with Anna and Nathan finishing with four firsts in an awesome display of Feva sailing. The remainder were left sailing for second place.

Local knowledge played a large part in the race for second. Graeme and Duncan Hampshire (PSC) fluked a few shifts in Race 1, the Warsash/ Papercourt combo of Becky Diamond and Fiona Hampshire sailed away in Race 2, whilst Ollie White and Aaron Smith (PSC) showed their combined class by getting second in Races 3 and 4. Elsewhere in the fleet, there was much enjoyment. There were three entries for the “old farts” competition – parent and child – and the Maunders from HISC put in some very entertaining performances.

Many members of the fleet tried to prove that it is possible to sail a Feva upside down. As the locals know, this is not the done thing at Papercourt – it isn’t deep enough. However, it is a great place for an entertaining day’s sailing, providing a warm welcome, great food and grandstand views for the spectators. They were treated to a superb display by the winners by a distance, Nathan and Anna Ackroyd.