Surfladle

Not quite as much Go’ing on as we had hoped, after the demise of the Seaford Demo but the Shoreham Raft Race is currently still looking good, as is the Parham Steam Rally, so expect to encounter slow moving rafts and even slower moving traction engines this weekend! 

The weather, it has to be said, could be better but there again it could be worse. The forecasts are constantly changing and also very confusing, as what was the windy and dry day is now the wet one and the wet windless day is now drier and as windy as the dry windy day.  More on that later..

 

The Shoreham Rafters looks to be the main water sports event in what currently could be a quiet weekend weather wise. You could always kick it off with a Saturday morning 7.2mile run around the river…

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shoreham-farmers-market-classic-run-72-miles-with-tickets-657962452407  before heading back for a browse around the Farmers Market (held in the Town) while you wait for the wind or the race?  I know.. it all seems a little tranquil after the winds we encountered at the end of last week (when I was away enjoying a mix of drizzle and low cloud) and during the first half of this week. I really thought we were going to be lucky with a Wednesday evening after work sail but that was cut short when we were presented with an almighty downpour, just before 7pm, so goodbye wind and hello a lot of very wet pedestrians and cyclists! A shame to miss out but that’s how life is.. don’t count on anything and you won’t be disappointed!  

 

I've been on my butt operating this keyboard all day, hence my watch is saying MOVE!! so I think that must mean it's time for the weekends weather and Tides.

Saturday. Both Windguru and The Met say showers from 11am until 3pm and both agree that the wind will veer from SSE  to SSW during the afternoon. The Met is more optimistic giving 8-15kts late afternoon, whilst Guru say 8-12kt mid-afternoon and then dropping to 6-9kts. Tide is High at 16.03hrs on a 6.1m, so plenty of water for any sinking or deep draughted rafts (or drafted if you want to keep your American spell-checker happy) to get through and for anyone wishing to SUP up the river.. or attempt a wing foiling session! 

Sunday. They have downed the original heavy rain forecast, with Guru now showing one big dollop around 9am and then dry. The Met say showers around 1pm. Both agree that the wind will eventually become Sou’West with Guru saying 8-11kt and The Met suggesting a healthier 8-15kt, depending upon your view on things. Tide is High at 16.54hrs on a 6.0m. Once again. plenty of water in the estuary for those who can use it.

 

Fingers crossed Saturday is not too wet for all of the Raft Race spectators (don’t think the competitors will notice..),  those Parham Rallyers and for a good friend of mine who is off to her nephew’s Wedding, as the reception is being held at their farm, on a field looking up at Chanctonbury Ring.. I hope it goes well Archie! 

 

Tomorrow we will let you know about something that is long overdue….

 

Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather, whatever!

 

PS.  Check out the pics on the raft races website gallery. https://www.shorehamraftrace.co.uk/gallery