With the wind turbines barely moving coupled with the forecast suggesting a near 180 degree change in wind direction sometime around midday it did not look too promising for the much delayed Start of the Season races. Normally the clothing dilemma for the SOS races is concerning how many layers do I wear underneath my drysuit, but today it was shorty or full wetsuit – has to be the warmest SOS races ever !
Despite the light winds nine boats took to the water with eight joining in the racing with the wind building to a pleasant F2 from the SE plus sunshine by the start of race one.
Phil H sailing his RS700 and Nick, opting to sail his Phantom led the fleet building up a good lead on the rest and almost lapping most. Steve (Europe) and Richard (Laser) enjoyed a close tussle throughout the race with just two seconds between them on the first two laps and seven on the third and fourth. On corrected time Nick claimed his first win of the day with Steve second and Phil H third.
At the start of race two the wind had increased to a F3 and the skies now overcast. Phil H opened up a good lead and three quarters through the race had lapped some boats. Nick again led the rest of the fleet. Behind there was a four way battle between the Lasers of Richard and Will, Steve and Don sailing his D-one. Unfortunately for Don his spinnaker was proving to be difficult to hoist so opted not to use it. On corrected time it was a repeat for the first race with Phil H just pipping Phil A (Contender) by four seconds for third.
There was a little more wind for the last race, the sea a little rougher and a noticeable drop in temperature. Phil H and Nick again leading the fleet by some way but this time Nick not far behind. Phil A led the chasing pack closely followed by Don. Behind Steve, Richard and Will were again enjoying some close racing with just ten seconds between them after the first lap. Nick claimed a clean sweep winning the final race with Steve second and Will beating Phil A by just … four seconds for third.
All in all a very pleasant days sailing, hopefully the conditions next week will be as good.
