Despite it being Act 4 of the Summer series we still await the arrival of summer!
However, there was a decent offshore wind and a relatively flat sea so sailing conditions were pretty good.
Thirteen boats joined in the fun. The single handers continue to prove more popular with just Phil & Lorna in their RS400 representing the two-man fleet. The RS Vareos mustered the largest fleet with four. The two RS700’s managed to synchronise their diaries with both turning up to sail.
With LW at 08.30 the flood tide had kicked in…just. With the wind across the tide, the race team opted to test a new course format, placing a ‘spacer’ mark a few hundred metres up tide, creating a triangular course and providing a reach for the non asymmetrics to enjoy.
What’s happened to summer
The offshore wind provided testing conditions with many shifts and gusts, ranging from F2-F4.
Race one – the left hand side of the course appeared to be the best route to the windward mark, with Phantom Nick just behind A-Class Ed after lap one with RS Vareo Dave in third.
The gusts seemed to time their appearance as boats approached the spacer mark making bearing off for the run tricky for some of the fleet. At the line the A-Class crossed first with Nick holding off the RS700’s of Curtis and Phil, who had both gone right on the right beat.
Racing starts
Race two – flood tide now in full flow. The gusts now were a good F4. Most kept left on the beat. The latter half of the beat proved very shifty with much to lose or gain. Ed led again with Nick once again demonstrating great upwind boat speed in second. These two opened up a good lead and were awarded an extra lap. RS700 Curtis led the rest until he opted to retire. Solution Paul then led the chase followed by Europe Steve. RS Vareo Richard was the only one brave enough to fly his spinnaker on all three downwind legs.
The testing conditions took their toll on both boats and bodies with four boats retiring, either with gear fatigue or body fatigue.
The RS700’s get into gear
On corrected time there were two different race winners, Nick winning race one with Steve second. Race two proved very close with just 17 seconds separating the first four boats, Minisail Carl winning and Nick second. Race wins are proving hard this series with only Carl managing to get more than one win in a single outing so far in the series.
It’s not often we have an Etchell in the fleet
During the racing the fleet were joined by 505 sailor Tom, on this occasion sailing his Etchell, who had sailed up from RNSYC on a day cruise with some friends, perhaps next time he will join in the racing!
Thanks to the race team of Robyn, Richard and Don. And also to guest AOOD Steve who volunteered to help. Trying something a little different proved very popular and provided a great but tiring days sailing.
Full results are on the club web site
Photos on the club Flickr site
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/
Race winners – Nick and Carl