Eclipse sail, 12 August

Ten boats went out for the evening social sail on 12 August, timed around the partial solar eclipse. Calmest conditions I can remember for a summer social: barely any wind, flat water, and a good couple of hours either side of the eclipse itself.

We launched before it started, so everyone was already out on the water by the time the light began to change. Peak coverage was low over the horizon, so it was more a dimming than a blackout, but you could feel it. We stayed out afterwards too, a full evening rather than a dash out and back for the main event.

Ten boats holding together for something other than racing is rare enough on its own. No dramas, no capsizes, just a good fleet out enjoying a genuinely unusual evening.

Next one worth sailing for won't be for a while, so if you missed this one, don't miss the next.