The race team opted to set a straightforward windward leeward course for the days sailing.
The day started with a warm F3-4 wind from the SW and low water at the start of racing with flood tide kicking in shortly after. Eleven boats ventured out onto the water with Tom and Will, having rigged the 505 deciding to stay ashore.
Race 1 got underway with the sea quite flat. The 29’er of visitors Sam & Chris quickly opened up a gap over the rest of the fleet which they consolidated over the remaining laps. Richard & Kristof (RS400) led the chasing pack after the first lap. Nick (D-One) overhauled them to lead after the second lap and Ed (Spitfire), recovering from a slow start led the pack at the finish.
There were a few retirements with Dave & John (RS400) and Chris (D-One) experiencing spinnaker problems.
On corrected time Sam & Chris winning by over five minutes, Phil (Contender) having remained close to the chasing pack claimed second over Nick.
Race two turned into a capsize fest! The wind was still F3-4 but the sea state now ‘slight.
Once again Sam & Chris lead the pack after lap one followed by Dave & John and Ed
Lap two proved to be a challenging lap for some with by Sam & Chris and Dave & John capsizing on the gybe to the gate and Richard & Robyn having problems when dropping their spinnaker.
On lap three Nick took a swim on the gybe with Phil doing likewise just before reaching the gate. Richard & Kristof proved staying upright is always quicker and took the race win by nearly two minutes. Despite the antics only 18 seconds separated the next four boats with Richard & Robyn just beating Phil.
Race three saw a reduced number on the start line, just three to be precise. The wind had increased a tad to F4 and the sea state approaching moderate. Sam & Chris had a delayed start, leaving the two RS400’s of Dave & John and Richard & Kristof to fight it out enjoying a close tussle over two laps with the downwind legs providing some of the best sailing this year. Dave & John crossing the line just ahead of Richard & Kristof.
Thanks to the race team of Anna, Keith and Steve for an ‘entertaining’ days sailing.