Sunday was the first instalment of the new Triad series. The proposed programme for this is to race around a triangular course rather than the usual windward leeward courses. However, with asymmetric boats making 50% of the fleet the race team decided to make the second race a windward leeward.
The forecast of sunny and warm conditions plus a F3 wind tempted a few more members out making for one of the largest fleets this year with 15 boats launching. There were 10 different classes ranging from a Europe to a RS700.
The offshore breeze proved challenging for both sailors and the race team with frequent gusts and shifts and on at least one occasion evidence a sea breeze trying to take over as the wind become light and fickle.
In race one Richard, sailing his RS300 was first to the windward mark followed by Dave in a D-One. The next leg proved to be a tight reach which proved too close for Dave who capsized shortly after hoisting his kite. Nick (D-One) demonstrated how it should be done and took the lead after the first lap. Close behind were father and son teams in RS400’s, Simon & Bruce Beckett and Richard & Ed Brown followed by day guest Nick Crickmore, sailing a Phantom. These five gradually pulled away from the rest of the fleet with Nick putting in a great last lap to pull clear of the others and easily winning on corrected time with Nick C second and Richard third.
The course for race two was back to the more usual windward leeward format. The wind at times a little fickle testing everyone’s concentration. Richard and Dave rounded the windward just ahead with Richard just ahead after the first lap.
Dave pulled ahead on the second lap with Team Brown moving into second place. After a further two rounds Dave crossed the line just ahead of Team Brown with Team Beckett third. On corrected time Steve, sailing his Europe won the race by one second with Dave second and Team Brown third.
The wind had settled for race three. After lap one Team Beckett held a small lead over Nick. At the finish these two crossed the line together with Team Brown making up a lot of ground crossing the line just five seconds later. Steve, obviously conscious of a family engagement later in the day and needing to get back ashore put in a very fast last lap (first lap over 12 mins, last lap under 10 mins) to win on corrected time by over two minutes. It was very close between the next four boats separated by just 20 seconds, Nick in second and Team Beckett third.
Thanks to the race team for organising a great days sailing over a variety of courses and wind conditions….. and great weather.