Pete Dirs launches on his best ever run	Somewhat lively at 129.6mph	OTW with John Underwood & John Hyder

Lynn Blowers occupied the race officers seat, and ably assisted by a changing crew of timekeepers managed to get three rounds of competition in, with sufficient time for training runs at the end. Martin Hamilton reigned unbeaten in A1 for many years, but has become increasing frustrated with not getting his boat away recently. This was one of those 'odd' problems as what did work, now didn't, but by the end of the day he was able to get a run. Pete Dirs' A1 is definitely not at its best at present and looks set for a piston and liner transplant.

The A2 runs provided a degree of aggravation for some, with Norman Lara's OPS refusing to start on the line, but firing up happily moments later. Tony Collins tried to put a bit of popple on the water to unstick his boat but managed to create a hole that it fell into, stopping it instantly. Steve Poyser tried several boats until he found one that would go, winning the class in the process. Norman did get the OPS going to record a 105, but speeds are well below last year, which is causing much head scratching.

Martin Hamilton assisted by John Hyder	Steve Poyser unsticking his boat-	Successfully

Jim Free had his airscrew boats lined up in serried ranks as he had almost the entire B1 entry. Getting a setting on these finnicky motors is never easy but Jim got it about right with Sue's boat to win the class. His B1R showed that MDS motors will give a cheap but very competitive run. Pete Dirs' Proffi has the potential to approach the British record if he can get the settings right, but twas not to be on the day.

Jim Free getting the needle right-	for the quickest run of the day	Norman Lara manned the cord all day

Pete had no such problems with his PICCO engined A3 as his first launch produced a 129+ run that was his best ever. Tony Collins has his OPS outfit just about spot on and having recorded his best ever run two weeks previously put in three amazingly consistent runs at 122, 121 and 123 to add a new personal best mark to his CV. John Hyder is never far away in the reckoning, finishing a close 3rd. Hugh Blowers' OPS managed to eat something very indigestible in the middle of what would have been a very quick run. Investigation revealed the true extent of the internal discomknockerations and that was the end of the day. From the sublime to the ridiculous, he borrowed Lynn's Vintage boat with its 70+ year old engine to put in two runs of about 25 laps each to give time for everyone to have a cup of tea.

Dave Sheldrake with new hull for steamer	'Spitfire' on its way	John Hyder's alternative A/BR

Dave Sheldrake is slowly sorting  his amazing turbine driven flash steamer. With something as complex as this, getting the balance between revs, pump gearing, fuel and water delivery rates is a long process, but at the moment, as the revs die away so the pumps slow down, the steam pressure drops and the revs drop further etc. OTW wishes him luck with this fantastic venture. Another ongoing venture is John Hyder's A/BR boat. John already holds the 'A' Class record for a home built engine and has put together a boat with three OPS motors geared together. He has been working on getting the engines to run properly for some time, but seems to have this sorted now. Next stage is a set of lines and a launch. Good luck to John for again, going with something different.

15th August.

This was not the most recent meeting at Althorne, as we had been summoned three weeks previously to take out the launching platform that we had put in on the 30th May. The lack of rain up until that time (I know that sounds laughable after what has fallen since) had dropped the level in the lake to such an extent that the higher platform was no longer useable. With Norman Lara's Espace as a mobile winch, the job was done in double quick time allowing an almost full day of running. It was not long before the sound of rent metal was heard with John Hyder's PICCO eating most of its internals, Hugh Blowers' OPS breaking a crankshaft and Martin Hamilton pondering the cost of a new liner and piston. Everyone present had plenty of chance to try out boats and engines, including John Hyder and his amazing 3 OPS A/BR. With Norman on the cord and three new plugs it started and sounded fantastic, until Norman inadvertently fed John's best starting cord through the engine coupling gears. Not only did it do the cord the power of no good, it also loosened the gears, requiring some remedial attention. After several weeks of tribulation, the ex Jeff Llewellyn MAC powered A3 managed its first run of the season. All in all a good day for running, if a little hard on some wallets.

This brings us to the 15th of August and another excellent turnout. With Norman Lara and Tony Collins off to Bulgaria two days later, they were not risking their boats or engines. Strangely, no one else seemed too interested in venturing into the water either, leading to a great deal of standing around and chatting.

Lots of discussion here.	Not a word being uttered here	Definitely not impressed

After a couple of hours of idle conversation and reminiscences and the realisation that no running was going to be possible, a mass exodus took place. Norman, Tony and Sonia were wished bon-voyage and we all set off back home. Oh yes, the reason, see photo. With a very strong and blustery wind, Althorne Lake was doing its best North Sea impression. Difficult to believe it is August?

Next, and final meeting of the season. October 10th

---

Work party at Althorne 30th May installing the platform with new removable handrails