Despite being just over halfway through the Autumn series the weather was as good as many days during the Summer series. A reasonably steady F2-3 from the east made for a pleasant days sailing. There was quite a mix of classes ranging from a RS700 to a Solution.
With HW at 13.00 there was still some flood tide at the start of race one and a flat sea. Curtis (RS700) and Dave & John (RS400) led after lap one with Phantom Nick and Solution Paul close behind. Following a slow first lap Contender Phil managed to pick up time on the next three, almost catching Nick. Vareo Richard and Phil & Lorna managed to find a big light patch on lap one putting them on the back foot early in the race. After four laps Dave & John crossed the line just ahead of Curtis with Nick third.
Race two – by now there was very little flood tide inshore but still noticeable offshore. The wind eased a little during the race resulting in the longest race of the day. Curtis took an early lead and was looking good with a big lead until lap three when he missed the trapeze hook resulting in a swim. Dave & John took line honours with Nick not far behind. Paul and Phil had a close race with the former crossing the line two seconds ahead.
Race three- by this time the tide had started to turn, the sea state lumpy and the wind up to F3, allowing some opportunities to plane off wind for the asymmetrics. Curtis led from start to finish. Dave & John slowly opened up a good lead of the rest of the fleet which was led by Nick. After lap one Phil, Paul and Richard rounded the leeward gate within a few seconds. Phil then managed to open up a small lead on Paul.
On corrected time Paul and his Solution proved quick, winning the first two races and almost making it a clean sweep but Dave & John won the final race by just six seconds. Nick enjoyed three podium places with a second and two thirds. Vareo Richard proved to be the most consistent finishing fourth in all three races.
Many thanks to the Race team for organising unseasonably good weather and good courses, providing a great day on the water.
Full results are on the club web site
Paul and Dave & John, todays race winners