Despite earlier forecasts of possible thunderstorms the day passed without any rain or thunder. It did however start and finish with restricted visibility as a light sea mist arrived. Thankfully, for most of the days racing we could at least see the windward mark!
The race officer suggested four short races rather than the usual three race format to provide some additional starting practise. A small but select fleet launched with a light NNE wind which shifted just before we started race one. This set the scene for the days sailing with the wind direction and strength changing regularly. The race team quickly moved the windward mark and racing got underway.
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David B, sailing a Solution set the pace in race one managing to hold off the challenge from the two RS400’s right up to the line, with Richard & Robyn crossing just ahead of Phil & Lorna. On corrected time it was a 1,2 for the Solutions with David H, sailing the club boat second.
The RS400’s owned race two quickly establishing a big lead on the rest of the fleet which was led by Adrian sailing his D-One. At the finish Richard & Robyn just beat Phil & Lorna but both were over four minutes ahead of the next boat resulting in a 1,2 for the 400’s.
The fleet were evenly split halfway up the first beat in race three however a shift favoured those on the left hand side of the course with Richard & Robyn the biggest winners rounding the mark well ahead followed by David B. At the finish Richard & Robyn had built up a sizeable lead and completed an additional lap, comfortably winning on corrected time with David H second.
After another wind shift race four turned into a bit of a drag race at times. The 400’s led the way round but David H was close enough behind to win on corrected time with Richard & Robin second and Ed, sailing his Splash third.
Thanks to the race team for an interesting and testing days sailing and dealing with the changing conditions well. And thanks to all who stayed behind to help relay the ‘ramp’ which now provides a much smoother run onto the beach.
The race team also managed to find time to take a few pictures which are now on the club Flickr site.