There were many early arrivals keen to get back onto the sea for the Start of Season event. A chilly breeze from the NE made for a cold start to the day but the sun was out and it did get warmer as the day progressed. Sailing was delayed a tad when the Race Team had to turn their hands to outboard mechanics following a dodgy battery connection on one of the RIB’s.
Getting ready to launch
Eight crews made ready to race with two RS400’s and the rest singlehanders. With high water around 14.00 the tide was flooding during all three races and the wind averaging around F2 from the NE, or thereabouts. The race team set a windward – leeward course with a spacer at the windward mark. A long start line allowed room for all with the fleet spread along the entire length at the start. Once away most boats kept inshore hugging the shore to avoid the tide, although there were several light patches. Two boats risked the tide and ventured out looking for more wind which proved not to be the fastest route
Start 1
Rounding the windward mark required good judgement as the tide was strong and many had to do extra late tacks to get round. Phantom Nick led after lap one with the two 400’s hot on his heels. Heading back to the windward mark Phil and Lorna hooked onto a good lift near the mark and momentarily took the lead but Phil and Roger managed to sneak in at the mark. These two then has a close tussle down to the leeward mark, with Phil and Roger eventually taking line honours thirty seconds ahead.
RS400’s head towards the leeward gate
After a quick tweak of the course as the wind had shifted a tad race two got underway. Nicks racing came to an end when his tiller snapped. Phil and Lorna almost completed two laps before heading for shore as they had a grandchild’s birthday party to attend in the afternoon. This left Phil and Roger well ahead of the remaining fleet. After lap one Vareo Dave held a small lead over Laser Harry and Solution Paul with Contender Phil and Vareo Richard a short way behind. The fleet were split as to which end of the leeward gate to head for with most of the singlehanders opting for the committee boat, which appeared to pay. Dave held on to lead the group across the line with Paul just behind and Phil putting in a late spurt finishing next.
Race 2 start
With the tide now easing race three got underway. Phil and Roger shot off opening up a good lead and sailed an extra lap, again. Racing amongst the rest of the fleet was close with a few seconds separating the leading four after lap one. At the line Dave led Paul with Phil and Richard a minute behind.
View from the cliffs
On corrected time Dave won race one with Nick second and Roger & Phil third. However, Phil & Roger made good in the next two winning both and with it the SOS trophy. Dave was second in both with Harry third in race two and Paul third in the race three.
Many thanks to the race team for excellent course and multiple mark relaying to ensue it stayed that way.
Full results are on the club web site
Phil & Roger win the SOS trophy