9 Gallon Report

9-Gallon Report – 17^th October 2015

The traditional conclusion of the yacht racing season, a pursuit race with the winner collecting a barrel of beer was scheduled for Saturday. LWC had kindly donated a barrel of beer for the prize but with a strong northerly wind whipping the sea up not even the chance of free beer was enough to tempt the sailors to risk leaving harbour. And so the sailors headed to the yacht club on Saturday night for the end of season prize giving knowing the best prize was undecided.

The Commodore was determined that a winner would be found however, and had spent his afternoon devising a new 9-gallon race which could be run in the safety of the clubhouse. Each skipper was given a small model yacht, and with carefully calculated spinners which would represent the relative speeds of the different boats they set off, slowest boats first around a map of the bay.

B&B, Lady Hamilton and Double D – or at least small replicas of – were away first, B&B making good use of her head-start and was around the (small) bell buoy before the mid-fleet Samaki, Masquerade and Detached started. Utilising a higher numbered spinner these 3 were quickly on the tails of the leaders, but then they were looking over their shoulders too as the fast boats were finally away – Deja Vu, Antix, Teemane, Monsoon, Qantro, Icon and Cold Steel creating quite a crowd around the early marks.

With the serious business of awarding the seasons prizes to be done the game was called to a finish just as Masquerade caught Lady Hamilton for the lead. 3 extra spins later the winner of the 9 gallon race was finally decided – Lady Hamilton grabbing the prize. This, fortunately, Joanna and Malcolm decided to share with their rivals. Thanks again to LWC for generously letting us drink the beer despite not sailing!

With the free beer now claimed the trophies won over the course of the season were presented. Starting with two new prizes presented to the club in memory of former members David Duke and Jim Male. These were won by Icon and Bugs Bunny.

Antix (winner of Spring, Autumn and Bank Holiday Series as well as several cup races) and Icon (Summer, Coastal, Millenium and Mid-Week winner) divided most of the class A prizes between them, with Cold Steel taking the Pursuit series and numerous runners up flags. The dominance of those 3 boats in class A has been clear all season, only a few 3^rd place flags were left for the others to fight over – Qantro claiming those to add to her runners-up spot in the pursuit series.

Masquerade gathered up most class B silverware, winning the Summer, Autumn and Bank Holiday prizes. Skywalker (Spring) and Samaki (Coastal) also secured cups and several place flags. Lady Hamilton couldn’t quite match her 9-gallon win but did gather an impressive collection of 3^rd place flags.

Race Report: Autumn 6 & 7

Race Report – October 3^rd and 4^th

It was an early start for the yacht racing fleet for the Autumn series race on Saturday and a blanket of fog was hanging over the bay, but with the marks just visible and a gentle westerly breeze blowing the race was started on time. Icon was away quickly, chased by Masquerade and Cold Steel. Most were keen to keep close to shore for the first beat, where the tide against them would be less but some, included Déjà Vu and Qantro tacked out in search of clear air.

Icon maintained her lead around the first mark, Antix had found her way upto 2^nd with Cold Steel on her heels and these three were soon heading towards the Bell Buoy with spinnakers flying. Déjà Vu, Masquerade and Samaki rounded next but as none of them used a spinnaker they were passed by Qantro. Lady Hamilton was finding the wind too light for her liking and was struggling to stay in touch.

Lap 2 was a short loop at the Whitby end of the bay. Icon was still leading but Antix was steadily gaining. Cold Steel was on her own in third then there was a larger gap to Qantro. Déjà Vu was in close company with the class B leaders, Masquerade and Samaki. At this point the leaders were still making good progress and so class A were sent around another short lap. The wind was dropping though and the rest of the fleet slowed markedly approaching H mark. Masquerade made her way through the light air the best, passing Samaki and Déjà Vu, and the class B race was shortened to the end of lap 2, so Masquerade took the win ahead of Samaki.

The lighter wind was suiting Antix too, as Icon struggled, Antix was able to overtake and pull away to win class A. Icon was second ahead of Cold Steel. For the remaining boats the last lap would be a loop too far. Qantro was just a few boat lengths from the final mark when she was becalmed, and with the tide turning against her had to retire to make the bridge, further behind Déjà Vu and Lady Hamilton also had to call it a day. 

Result: Class A; 1^st Antix – John Allen & Sand Ransom, 2^nd Icon – Neil & Lorraine Williamson, 3^rd Cold Steel – Dey, Jarvis & Gowland. Class B; 1^st Masquerade – David Miller, 2^nd Samaki – Nigel Robinson

Five boats headed out even earlier on Sunday morning for the penultimate series race of the season. The wind was still light so a short triangular course was set. Serenade of Parkstone was quickest away, but Icon and Masquerade weren’t far behind. Qantro had already made a costly error as she hadn’t left herself room to get to the first mark and would have to do a couple of extra tacks.

The second side of the triangle had the wind on the beam. Antix used her spinnaker to climb her way to the front, and so Serenade decided to try it too. A gibe onto the third leg caused no issues for Antix who now led from Icon but Serenade was slow to get her spinnaker sorted and allowed Qantro past. It was another tight reach and spinnakers were dropped before reaching the final mark.

Two more triangles followed, Antix held the lead from Icon, both fighting to carry spinnakers along two of the sides but the white-sail Masquerade was keeping up well in third, still ahead of Qantro who tried the spinnaker once in order to catch up but lost more ground with a slow drop. On the last lap the wind became much lighter and the fleet spread out. Antix finished first and as the wind dropped away the others struggled in. Icon second, Masquerade third and finally Qantro as Serenade decided to head in for the bridge. 

Result: Class A; 1^st Antix – John Allen & Sandy Ransom, 2^nd Icon – Neil Williamson, 3^rd Qantro – Nathaniel Drake. Class B; 1^st Masquerade – David Miller. 

Race Report: Autumn 3 - 13th September

Sailing Report – Autumn 3

By Sunday the sea and calmed down and the wind eased enough to present very pleasant sailing conditions to the 4 yachts taking part in the 3^rd race of the Autumn series. Icon made a typically fast start, establishing an early lead over Skywalker and Lady Hamilton. A reach out to the bell buoy gave the big boats a chance to stretch their legs and Icon pulled clear while Qantro overhauled the others to take second.

Spinnakers were launched for the leg to Sandsend by every except Lady Hamilton, who tried but couldn’t sort her lines out and so dropped back as she continued under white sail. At the front Icon was leading but Qantro wasn’t too far behind as they reached Sandsend, and a tricky spinnaker drop, rounding the mark with the boats on the point of jibing. The windward return leg started to spread the fleet out, Icon being a bit too quick for Qantro who was well clear of Skywalker who in turn had a good lead over Lady Hamilton.

The same course was followed for lap 2. This time Lady Hamilton was ready with her kite and so made better progress but Skywalker was going to be hard to catch. Icon was looking comfortable in her class too, Qantro still unable to make any impression on the leader despite making pretty swift progress herself. Indeed the leaders were making such good progress that a third lap was called for class A.

Class B finished at the end of lap 2 and Skywalker had held onto her lead for the win.  On the shorter 3^rd lap Icon decided not to risk her spinnaker while Qantro decided to take the chance to practice but could only close the gap slightly. Icon took the win, lapping Lady Hamilton who finished second in class B, Qantro being runner-up in Class A.

Result: Class A – 1^st Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson, 2^nd Qantro, Nathaniel Drake. Class B – 1^st Skywalker, Peter Brown, 2^nd Lady Hamilton, Malcolm & Joanna Stuart.

Race Report: Gazette Cup - 12th September

Sailing Report – Whitby Gazette Cup

Autumn gales have been disrupting the sailing recently, but the wind eased enough for 4 boats to head out to contest the Whitby Gazette Cup – all sporting well reefed sails. Course options were limited as some of the racing marks were lost during the storms, and the sea remained rather rough further out so a run close in to the Sandsend inner mark and a beat back was chosen.

The downwind leg proved tricky going, with no-one braving a spinnaker in the conditions, the boats were all rolling around struggling to hold their sails in the goose-wing position whilst being pushed around by the waves. Icon gradually pulled her way to the front, ahead of Cold Steel and Qantro with Lady Hamilton clinging on to the tail of the faster boats.

Approaching Sandsend a problem became clear. The inner Sandsend mark was no-where to be seen. While a GPS-guided Icon headed for its usual location, Qantro headed further in hoping to find it had been swept in, but to no avail. A back-up plan to go around a virtual mark at the GPS location was devised and so the fleet headed around and started a beat back to Whitby. With Icon still leading, Cold Steel decided to shake out her reef to try to catch up. Now heading into the waves the helmsmen had to work hard to keep the yachts powering forwards. Qantro found it particularly hard going and decided that 1 lap was enough for her.

For the second lap W mark off Upgang was used as the turning point. Icon had also now got full mainsail up and was holding Cold Steel at bay, Lady Hamilton was now on her own in 3^rd. The order remained unchanged for the rest of the race and so Icon claimed the cup.

Result: 1^st Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson, 2^nd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland, 3^rd Lady Hamilton, Malcolm & Joanna Stuart

Race Report - David Duke Trophy - 22nd August

David Duke Trophy – 22nd August

A new trophy, presented to the Yacht Club in memory of long standing member David Duke by his family, was contested for the first time on Saturday.

The race was to Runswick Bay via the Boulby buoy and seven yachts headed out to compete. This was reduced to 6 before the start however as a failed hull fitting left Double D taking water and hurrying back to harbour. The remaining boats prepared themselves for a long downwind sail to Boulby, most had spinnakers ready to launch but Cold Steel bravely got theirs up early and forced their way past Masquerade to the front. Icon, Samaki, Qantro and Lady Hamilton quickly responded brightening the bay up with their multi-coloured spinnakers.

Cold Steel and Icon were in a close duel around P mark and heading off across the bay. Samaki took up 3rd with Lady Hamilton keeping up well and Qantro who had started further inshore initially struggling to find the wind. The only boat without a spinnaker – Masquerade – was already finding it slow going.

Towards Sandsend the fleet encountered the first of many holes in the wind which would come to define the race. The leaders slowed and the fleet bunched up. Qantro having decided that the boats further out were making better progress edged her way out and up to 3rd, while Icon had a slender lead over Cold Steel. By now Masquerade had decided it wasn’t going to be her day and headed home to catch the last morning bridge.

Rounding the first headland Icon and Cold Steel again lost the wind. Qantro caught up, heading a bit further out, but as she pulled ahead also slowed. Samaki, followed by Lady Hamilton, decided to stay closer in out of the tide, and edged their way back into contention. All struggled to find enough wind to overcome the tide. Spinnakers and genoas were raised and lowered as the wind threatened to change direction.

When the breeze did return it was again from behind, so spinnakers reset the fleet started making progress again. And it was Qantro who was making the fastest progress, pulling ahead of her rivals. Cold Steel gained 2nd, and started to head further out where Qantro had been doing well. By now the tide was turning and providing some assistance, but would hinder their return.

Qantro held onto her lead as they approached Boulby, and as race officer had to ponder whether they could make it back to Runswick, which meant turning against the tide but with a generous time limit decided the race should continue (drat!). She had made little progress though as Cold Steel rounded, and they sat just holding position against the current. Just as Icon approached some 18 minutes later the wind backed dramatically, and the leaders were now flying their spinnakers heading in the opposite direction to where they had before. This meant the remaining boats faced a steady beat to the rounding mark, while Qantro and Cold Steel started to head back, with Icon now closing on them.

This time Qantro headed closer to shore, brushing past Staithes, and again had it right as she re-established her lead. Cold Steel was still holding off Icon for 2nd, while Samaki and Lady Hamilton were now on the return leg too. About halfway back Qantro still held a clear lead but the wind kept going light and progress was slow, the wind veered back around and so the leader was close hauled as she edged her way down the coast trying to keep out of the tide.

Then just as she approached Runswick she ground to a halt as the wind died. Cold Steel slowly edged back up to her, but she too was struggling and Icon was looming behind them. Cold Steel tried to sneak up the inside but found it too shallow and had to tack out allowing Icon to catch her. All 3 were caught in a hole with virtually no wind and the tide pushing them back. Qantro remained closest to shore, and with least tide against her, just held onto the lead, but her hopes of glory were fading fast. The breeze was returning further out to sea. Icon spotted it and battled her way out to it with Cold Steel just a few boat lengths behind her.

In the deciding moment Icon caught the wind and was away, leaving her 2 challengers trapped. Amazingly there was almost too much wind for Icon as she sped to the finish, but Cold Steel and Qantro still had none and remained stationary. To compound their misery, Samaki found her way through and also sped off to take 2nd. Lady Hamilton decided to call it a day, and a pretty despondent Qantro soon did likewise, but Cold Steel persisted and eventually, 50 minutes after Icon, found their way into the breeze and to the finish.

Result; 1st Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson, 2nd Samaki, Nigel Robinson, 3rd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland

Race Report: Tyler Cup 17 August 2015

Tyler Cup – 17^th August

A strong North Westerly wind on Friday forced the postponement of the Tyler Cup as conditions in Sandsend bay were not suitable for the dinghies. Fortunately the organisers had a back-up plan and so the little boats were taken to the calmer waters of Scaling Dam on Monday to contest the cup over two races. 4 dinghies made it to the re-arranged event – all of them Enterprises so there’d be no handicaps to worry about.

With the breeze blowing across the dam a technical course was set, zig-zagging around the marks up to the far end of the dam then running straight back. A testing combination of beats, reaches and runs – and navigation!

Grey Matter claimed the desirable windward end of the start-line for the opening race with Whirlpool shadowing her, State of Mind was a bit further to leeward but hit the line with good speed, while Sundowner got the timing wrong and was at the back. Able to lay the mark in one tack, Grey Matter led but State of Mind got a wind shift that lifted them onto the mark too and so rounded just ahead of Whirlpool.

Grey Matter than reached rapidly across the lake to the next mark, only to realise they’d gone to the wrong one and have to turn around. Fortunately for them neither State of Mind or Whirlpool had spotted the mistake and they had both followed the leader in the wrong direction. This presented an opportunity to Sundowner, but although she knew something was amiss and headed to a different mark she too got it wrong!

Next a shallow water mark was mistaken for the turning point and, as Grey Matter struggled to find the right mark, State of Mind took the lead. Her chances of breaking clear were hampered however by Whirlpool who was close behind and pinching her wind in an attempt to gain an overlap. And so, all three were tightly packed as they finally went around the correct mark. Grey Matter was third around but well placed to steal the wind as her two rivals, battling each other, both lost momentum and so the order was soon restored to Grey Matter, State of Mind, Whirlpool. Whirlpool then found herself in shallow water and had to tack away, losing a bit more ground.

The lead 3 now had their navigation sorted, and were making good progress. All were kept on their toes as the gaps grew and then shrank through the rather patchy wind. Sundowner was still struggling to find her bearings though and eventually gave up. Grey Matter completed a clean second lap to win race 1. State of Mind had put up a good chase but were unable to catch the leader and by finish they too were looking over their shoulders as Whirlpool had a late burst and closed to with a few seconds.

Race 2 used the same course, which by now everyone had learnt. Grey Matter again claimed the windward end of the line, State of Mind and Whirlpool battled for the middle ground and Sundowner made a much better get away and was in contention too. While Grey Matter led again chased by State of Mind, Whirlpool misjudged the wind and found herself in a much lighter patch, so she was passed by Sundowner.

Towards the end of lap 1, Sundowner was still third but Whirlpool was gaining, then around the final mark Sundowner went wide Whirlpool hardened up and went inside only for Sundowner to tack across her bow. A collision was inevitable but fortunately there was no damage and, once Sundowner had completed her penalty turns, both were able to continue.

At the front State of Mind seemed for a while to be gaining on Grey Matter, but by the finish Grey Matter had edged away to take her second win and with it the cup. Whirlpool sailed a much better 2^nd lap, pulling clear of Sundowner but she couldn’t bridge the gap to State of Mind who secured the runners-up prize.

Overall Result: 1^st Grey Matter, Neil & Andrew Williamson, 2^nd State of Mind, Graham Oliver & Keith Gowland, 3^rd Whirlpool, George Davey & Nathaniel Drake  

Race Report: Robinson Cup 15th August 2015

Robinson Cup – 15^th August

Eight yachts competed for the Robinson Cup on the Saturday of Whitby Regatta weekend. A fresh WNW wind had created a slightly lumpy sea but provided plenty of power for the sails and it was a keenly contested start – Icon and Cold Steel finding their usual positions near the front but Lady Hamilton and Samaki were mixing with them too. Further back both Monsoon and Skywalker had troubles getting their sails set and were slow away.

After a short opening leg the fleet headed out to the Bell Bouy. Icon was now established at the front with Cold Steel leading the chase. Skywalker and Monsoon began their recoveries overhauling B&B and gaining on Lady Hamilton.

Once around the mark different tactics came into play for the long leg to Sandsend;- most tacked into the bay but Samaki and Masquerade headed out to sea and made good progress. Not quite good enough to catch Icon though as she rounded first and quickly set her spinnaker for the return run, Cold Steel holding second ahead of Samaki. Monsoon and Masquerade seemed as though they would be in a close battle for 4^th but Monsoon was caught out by a wind shift and lost ground with an unintended tack. B&B had a bigger problem, having dropped their radio overboard they were circling to pick it back up, losing lots of time and eventually retiring – but they got the radio back!

A jibe around the bell buoy, a quick reach back to the harbour mark and a harden-up to cross the line completed lap 1. Icon was now edging clear of Cold Steel who in-turn was pulling away from Samaki. Monsoon was gaining on Masquerade, while Skywalker was now ahead of Lady Hamilton and clinging onto the bigger boats infront - still in contention on handicap.

Lap 2 followed the same course as the first, but the wind had eased and also veered a bit more to the North. This became clear on the leg to Sandsend, Samaki again took the seaward route, but the boats tacking in shortly after the Bell Bouy were able to lay the mark in one tack and so there was little to be gained by deviating from the direct line and the order remained unchanged.

Icon had her spinnaker set and was charging back long before the others reached Sandsend. Cold Steel was secure in second place but Samaki was aware that she was in a battle for third with the lower rated boats behind and so she too launched her spinnaker. That wasn’t an option for Masquerade or Monsoon who aren’t rated to use one but they still made good progress, especially Monsoon who found the speed to overtake her rival for fourth.

Skywalker made use of their spinnaker to stay in touch, while Lady Hamilton was finding the wind had eased a bit much for her liking. These two would face one more unexpected hurdle as the Trinity House service boat arrived at the Bell Bouy and positioned herself to lift the mark just as they approached. Skywalker making it through, but after some radio discussions Lady Hamilton had to divert.

Icon completed the course 5 minutes clear of her closest challenger to take the cup. Cold Steel had done enough for the runners-up spot. Third home was Samaki, then in order Monsoon, Masquerade, Skywalker and Lady Hamilton, but there was disappointment for Samaki as the handicap promoted Skywalker to the final step of the podium. The corrected times also switching Masquerade ahead of Monsoon. 

Result; - 1^st Icon, Neil and Lorraine Williamson, 2^nd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland, 3^rd Skywalker, Peter Brown.

Race Report; 8th & 9th August

SAILING REPORT, 8^TH & 9^TH AUGUST

9 boats headed out on Saturday for the 6^th race of the pursuit series. Little wind was forecast but they found a gentle Easterly breeze and so the race could get underway on time. Double D was first away, and after a short windward leg settled into a long steady run to Sandsend. Lady Hamilton was next away, their big yellow spinnaker giving them the speed to rapidly close the gap. Monsoon and B&B were next away, followed by Samaki then Masquerade and Qantro. At this stage it was clearly a case of have and have nots, as those with spinnakers – Samaki and Qantro – made short work of passing and pulling clear of those without. Cold Steel started a few minutes later and, big spinnaker set, gobbled up the ground to those infront too. Icon had a long wait before finally getting to start 38 minutes after the first boat, but she too made fast progress.

Lady Hamilton overhauled Double D and reached Sandsend in the lead, but with the importance of spinnakers having been so clearly demonstrated, it seemed wise to carry them to the inner Sandsend mark. This meant a tricky jibe, which Lady Hamilton was a bit slow to do and as she ran wide Samaki hit the front, Qantro was on her tail and she in turn had Cold Steel bearing down on her. Then the leaders hit a hole in the wind, grinding to a near standstill. The fleet bunched back up as they slowly drifted towards the mark. Qantro briefly led as they rounded but it was all very tight as the boats carefully edged around each other and the mark with hardly any wind to power them. Samaki led a bunch including Cold Steel, Qantro and Monsoon heading out in search of breeze, while Masquerade and Lady Hamilton stuck closer to shore. Icon, who had done well to keep her sails full all the way, was now well in contention and went up the middle.  As the breeze returned all started making good progress, and it was a question of who had chosen the best line. An indication came as Masquerade tacked out, she crossed just infront of Icon while Qantro had to give way but she was well behind Cold Steel, who was clearly in the lead.

Just a few minutes remained as the boats rounded the windward mark to start another run but the positions were not yet safe. Cold Steel, round first, rapidly launched their spinnaker to secure the victory. Samaki had done well to round in 2^nd, but Icon soon had her spinnaker set and were past. Masquerade was round next but Qantro was close behind and carrying enough speed to overtake. Monsoon had caught Lady Hamilton who was ahead of Double D, B&B struggling to escape the Sandsend hole. 

Result:  1^st Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland, 2^nd Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson, 3^rd Samaki, Nigel Robinson

Just 5 boats came out to race on Sunday to find that they’d have spectators for their race with the Dutch square rigged ship, Stad Amsterdam, anchored just outside the harbour. Those that didn’t come out would probably regret it, as the wind was much stronger and consistent than the previous day. With the wind coming from the west, the Race Officer sent the fleet off on a westerly start. As the start signal sounded, Icon’s sheets parted from her genoa causing her crew to rapidly repair the damage, but it cost her ground. Masquerade took full advantage of the situation and was the first boat round the initial mark. Samaki followed her with Icon alongside and Lady Hamilton and Double D hot on their tails. Only Icon sported her spinnaker for the short northerly leg before sheets were hardened in for the fetch down to Sandsend. 

Icon clawed her way to the front and Masquerade led Samaki with Lady H and DD following on. After the short northerly run offshore, Icon headed the fleet to reach back to the Bell Buoy and Masquerade and Samaki jostled for 2^nd place. As they got there, sheets were again hauled in for the beat back to the harbour entrance. Icon extended her lead and Samaki secured her grip on second place. As the boats completed their first lap, the Race Officer gave them a shorter circuit for the remainder of the race. Positions were unchanged and handicaps would not adjust the positions. 

Result: Class A, 1^st Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson. Class B, 1^st Samaki, Nigel Robinson, 2^nd Masquerade, David Miller, 3^rd Lady Hamilton, Malcolm & Joanna Stuart

Race Report: 11th & 12th July 2015

Sailing Report 10^th and 11^th July

Nine boats headed out in a gusty Westerly wind for race 5 of the Pursuit series on Saturday. Double D was first away with a 10 minute head start on the next boat – Bugs Bunny, followed by Trampas, who were making their first start. It was a short downwind leg followed by a swift reach out to the Bell Buoy where the fleet would encounter a strong tide.

Double D were caught out as they tried a close rounding and touched the mark, the resulting penalty turns throwing away much of their lead, and so it was Bugs Bunny at the front as the leaders started the first beat. By now the faster boats were starting the chase, Samaki, Monsoon, Teemane and Qantro all away in quick succession. Monsoon losing two early places as she took a wide line. Cold Steel was away 3 minutes later and quickly into her stride, while Icon had time to finish the crossword as a further 11 minutes passed before they finally got to start.

Bugs Bunny was clear infront as she rounded the Sandsend mark. A charging Cold Steel was 2^nd round after gobbling up 5 boats in quick succession on the beat. Samaki was one of those but had made some passes of her own to be 3^rd, ahead of Double D. Trampas found conditions a bit lively approaching the mark allowing Qantro through into 5^th which became 4^th as she caught Double D early on the return run.

Starting lap 2, Bugs still led but Cold Steel was gaining. Samaki and Qantro were disputing 3^rd, while the rest of the fleet were all converging together. Teemane got up to 5^th but Icon was looming, pulling off a brave move inside Monsoon at the bell bouy as she gained places. 

The closing stages saw a mistake by Cold Steel as she touched a mark but she still had the pace to catch Bugs Bunny and take the win. Samaki managed to re-pass Qantro for 3^rd, and Icon caught Teemane for 5^th. The others finishing close enough together to require GPS co-ordinates to sort them out.

Result; 1^st Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvi & Gowland, 2^nd Bugs Bunny, A Martland, 3^rd Samaki, N Robinson

Two summer series races took place in blustery conditions on Sunday. 4 boats made the early start, Icon leading away from Cold Steel, Teemane and Qantro. Rapid progress was made by all around a simple triangular course. Qantro overtook Teemane on the first leg but there was little other opportunity for changes in the order, everyone negotiated the gusts successfully despite requiring a few intimidating jibes at the marks.

Class A Result: 1^st Icon, N Williamson, 2^nd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis & Gowland, 3^rd Qantro, N Drake

After a slightly extended lunch break the fleet headed back out, now joined by 3 class B boats – Bugs Bunny, Samaki and Serenade of Parkstone. The strong gusts remained and the course would provide a stiff challenge. Icon again made the best start while Qantro and Serenade of Parkstone struggled to get going.

A hard windward leg to Sandsend soon sorted the fleet out. Icon and Cold Steel pulling well clear and Bugs Bunny was going very well to hold 3^rd. Samaki was next, then Qantro and Teemane who swapped places several times as the approached the mark. It was a rapid return run then a zig-zag back to the line, the order remaining unchanged. The fleet was now well spread out, the race officer thought the slower boats might have had enough, but the smallest of all, Bugs Bunny, was bounding enthusiastically after the leaders and so it was a second lap for everyone.

Icon took her second win of the day, edging clear of her sister Cold Steel. Bugs Bunny was next home – taking an easy class win, ahead of Samaki. Fifth home overall was good enough for 3^rd in class for Qantro ahead of Teemane, while Serenade of Parkstone took the final podium spot in class B.

Result: class A: 1^st Icon, N Williamson, 2^nd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland, 3^rd Qantro, N Drake, class B 1^st Bugs Bunny, A Martland, 2^nd Samaki, N Robinson, 3^rd Serenade of Parkstone, L Franks 

Race Report: 4th/5th July

Sailing Report 4^th and 5^th July

Six boats came out to compete for the RNLI pennant on Saturday, including a first appearance by Scaramouch. Cold Steel led the fleet away, chased by Samaki. Behind some were already having troubles – Masquerade touched the mark and had to do a penalty while Qantro got it all wrong and found herself at the back after some extra tacking.

Cold Steel was the only boat to use a spinnaker as she continued to lead to the bell bouy. Next a long leg to Sandsend gave the big boats a chance to show their speed, Cold Steel starting to establish the lead she’d require to overturn the handicap while Qantro overhauled Scaramouch and Masquerade to take third behind Samaki.

The order remained unchanged until the start of the second lap, when Qantro overtook Samaki. Cold Steel remained clear in front, deciding that she didn’t need to risk the spinnaker again as she completed the 3 lap course. Qantro was second home ahead of Samaki to the line but hadn’t done quite enough to beat her after handicap. Then the bigger boats had an anxious wait as Scaramouch was sailing along nicely and they knew the diminutive newcomer would have a sizable handicap advantage.

Scaramouch was indeed next to finish, ahead of Masquerade and Double D, and had done enough for second after handicap but Cold Steel had pulled out enough of a lead to take the prize. 

Result: 1^st Cold Steel, Dey,Jarvis & Gowland, 2^nd Scaramouch, Ian & Alison Paton, 3^rd Samaki, Nigel Robinson  

Sunday saw the continuation of the Coastal series, with little wind at the start a virtual mark set a few of miles north of the Bell Bouy. It was a downwind start towards Sandsend, Icon taking the early lead from Qantro and Cold Steel, all using their spinnakers to pull ahead of Serenade of Parkstone. Then a few hundred yards short of the mark Icon ground to a halt as the wind died. Qantro and Cold Steel pulled alongside then also stopped. Spinnakers were rapidly packed as the wind re-emerged from the other direction. Icon escaped the best and led on what was now a beat to the mark.

Icon re-launched their spinnaker for the leg to the virtual mark, Qantro followed suit while Cold Steel headed further out under white sails. Then the wind disappeared again. Serenade quickly anchored to avoid being swept backwards by the tide, taking the lead as the others were pushed in the wrong direction. Icon decided they’d spent enough time at sea recently and retired.

An hour or so later Serenade was still at anchor, Cold Steel was drifting far out to sea in search of the elusive breeze and Qantro was having a picnic near Runswick but suddenly lunch was interrupted by the sails gently filling with breeze. Qantro was moving in the right direction again. Slowly they pulled towards the virtual mark, Cold Steel was on the move too but was now far out to sea with a lot of ground to make up. The wind kept coming and going but with the tide now turning the persistence was paying off for those two. Serenade of Parkstone couldn’t find enough breeze to get going and retired.

It was now going to be a race to rather than around the virtual mark. Qantro was again becalmed about a mile short of it, looming rain clouds prompting the crew to grab their oilskins, but the rain brought with it a bit of wind and after over 5 hours of effort they finally reached their target. Cold Steel eventually found the wind too and took second. 

Result: 1^st Qantro, Nathaniel Drake, 2^nd Cold Steel Dey, Jarvis and Gowland.

Race Report: 27th and 28th June

Sailing Report 27^th and 28^th June

There was silverware on offer for the yachts as the Town Festival Cup was contested on Saturday. Cold Steel made the quickest get away ahead of Samaki but just as the fleet were settling into a steady leg towards Sandsend the wind shifted dramatically to the west and dropped to near nothing. There was some desperate manoeuvring to escape the hole which Cold Steel again did best at, pursued by Teemane and Qantro.

These 3 pulled clear as the rest of the fleet struggled. Qantro got up second, but she lost the wind and Teemane regained the position. Cold Steel rounded the mark and set her spinnaker for the run back to the bell bouy. All seemed to be going well for the leader but then she sailed into another wind hole. Teemane went inside, while Qantro went out, as they tried to avoid the same fate. Teemane was proved correct as she took the lead. Worse was to come for the early pace-setters as the entire fleet, led by Sky Walker, found the wind and caught up.

Teemane led around the bell bouy and, with the race officer deciding 1 lap was enough in the conditions, seemed set for line honours only to be caught out by yet another wind-shift and re-passed by Cold Steel. Sky Walker was third home hot on Teemane’s heels and easily close enough for the handicap win. A bit further back Samaki, Masquerade, Lady Hamilton and Qantro all reach the bell bouy at the same time, rounding it 4 abreast. Qantro found the speed to beat Masquerade to line with Samaki next then Lady Hamilton, but the close bunch meant the handicaps would decide it and Lady Hamilton took 3^rd.

Result: 1^st Sky Walker - P Brown, 2^nd Cold Steel - Dey, Jarvis and Gowland, 3^rd Lady Hamilton – M Stuart

Sunday saw the Summer series get underway in a brisk Southerly breeze that had most boats sporting reefed sails at the start. Qantro made a good get away, leading to the first mark but Teemane had impressive speed, pulling alongside as they headed downwind towards S mark and taking the lead as the sails were hardened in to head towards Sandsend. Qantro miscalculated the mark’s location and headed too far in allowing Masquerade to take second while Samaki, Lady Hamilton and Sky Walker were all close behind.

It was a quick reach to the bell bouy next which didn’t alter the positions. Teemane tacked around the mark to start the beat back inshore ahead of Masquerade. Qantro stood on a short distance to gain some clear air before starting her chase and this time the she had her tactics right as she overhauled both her rivals to lead at the end of the lap. 

Lap 2 was the same route as the first. Qantro now had her bearings sorted and was able to hold off Teemane. Masquerade was still 3^rd and now had a useful lead over the rest of the class B boats.

The order remained the same as the short lap 3 started but the wind was dropping and the reefs were being shaken out of the sails. Those with furling head-sails could also unfurl to give full power, and worryingly for the leader this included the two boats behind her and so she decided a change to her big genoa was required. This caused a few anxious moments aboard Qantro but proved to be the right decision as she led the fleet home.

Masquerade led home class B but Sky Walker was also going well in the lighter conditions, flying her spinnaker on the downwind leg she overhauled Lady Hamilton and got close enough to the others to take the class win on corrected time.

Result: Class A 1^st Qantro – N Drake, 2^nd Teemane – M Dixon: Class B 1^st Sky Walker - P Brown, 2^nd Masquerade - D Miller, 3^rd Lady Hamilton – M Stuart

Race Report: Pursuit 4 - 14th June 2015

Sailing Report 14^th June

With some crews still recovering from the overnight race from Sunderland, and others put off by the Northerly wind, just 5 boats headed out for round 4 of the pursuit series. They were greeted by a fresh breeze, most deciding that reefed mainsails and small head-sails were in order.

Sky Walker was first away and made swift progress on the windward leg to the bell buoy. Masquerade and Qantro followed 6 minutes later, both making reasonable getaways, but Qantro was a bit too eager to go for the first buoy and had to put in an extra pair of tacks to find space at the mark giving her rival the early advantage.

Two minutes later Samaki was away, with Cold Steel having to wait a further 5 minutes before starting her pursuit. By this time Sky Walker was around the Bell Buoy and with spinnaker set was speeding towards Sandsend. The others were more cautious and continued under white-sail, making little impression on the leader.

Rounding the Sandsend mark sails were hardened in for the return to the Bell Buoy. The positions remained unchanged. Sky Walker was still well infront and looked unlikely to be caught. Masquerade was going well in 2^nd but the gaps behind were changing as Qantro found her chosen sails a bit too small and dropped back, while Cold Steel was closing on Samaki.

Unfortunately Sky Walker’s navigation wasn’t as efficient as her sailing as she headed straight back towards Sandsend at the start of lap 2 instead of rounding the Bell Buoy. This gifted the lead to Masquerade but, having changed to a larger head-sail, Qantro was starting to claw back ground and with Samaki and Cold Steel also closing the result was suddenly looking very uncertain.

Masquerade had a short lead from Qantro as they started another run to Sandsend, Cold Steel was up into 3^rd ahead of Samaki and closing on the leaders. At this point Qantro decided that even more sail was required, shaking out the reef to give full sail area, and the plan was quickly rewarded as she pulled alongside Masquerade. Getting past though was harder as she went for the inside line and found herself in the wind-shadow.

As the final minutes ticked past the lead pair were locked side-by-side and as they fought each other Cold Steel was looming up behind. Then in the closing moments they reached the Sandsend mark. Qantro took advantage of her inside line and got her nose infront, Masquerade though wasn’t giving up and with a swift jibe around the mark was quickly up back up to speed, Cold Steel was quickly round too but the clock ran out at just the right moment for Qantro to take her second win of the series.

Result – 1^st Qantro, N Drake. 2^nd Masquerade, D Miller. 3^rd Cold Steel, Dey, Jarvis and Gowland

Race Report: 30th May

Sailing Report 30^th May

Double D was the first of 12 boats away in a patchy Westerly breeze for the second race of the pursuit series. She immediately encountered a gusty patch making progress along the first short beat hard work. Bugs Bunny was 2^nd away, was soon gaining. Lady Hamilton and Serenade of Parkstone were 1 minute later starting but were a bit shy of the line giving Sky Walker, a further minute back, an early opportunity to gain places.

Bugs Bunny used their spinnaker on the short run to the bell buoy pass Double D into lead. By this time Qantro was starting and was soon into her stride, quickly passing Serenade of Parkstone. B&B meanwhile was struggling with some of their new gear and retired. Masquerade then Samaki were next away, and started a battle between them which would last the duration of the race. A short gap then to Cold Steel starting then a longer gap before the quickest boats, Icon and finally Antix were away.

Bugs Bunny, was now well on her way up the beat to Sandsend. Sky Walker was up to 2^nd, but the larger Qantro was already bearing down on them, and passed Sky Walker as they approached the Sandsend mark.

A run back to the Bell buoy gave Bugs Bunny some breathing space as she made use of her spinnaker while most of her pursuers were more cautious. Further back Cold Steel were using their spinnaker too to gain places. Icon and Antix launched theirs too but the handicap finally seemed to have caught up with them as they struggled to bridge the gap to the fleet. Serenade of Parkstone was struggling too and became the second retirement.

Zig-zagging around S and H marks to the end of lap 1 Bugs Bunny still led but the rabbit was about to be caught. A reach back to S at the start of lap 2 gave Qantro the chance to stretch her legs and the lead was hers. Her joy quickly changed to concern though, as Samaki, Masquerade and Double D were all approaching the same mark from the other direction as they completed lap 1. Qantro was forced to take a wide line and Bugs Bunny was back in contention.

The race would end on the next beat towards Sandsend. Qantro pulled back infront, but Bugs Bunny had another trick up her sleeve, putting in a series of short tacks, each of which Qantro had to respond to for fear that her opponent would find the patch of breeze she required. It was a dangerous game however as Sky Walker and Cold Steel tacked inshore and gained significantly. As the clock ticked down Sky Walker grabbed 2^nd, and Cold Steel was hot on her heels, just edging Bugs Bunny off the podium, but Qantro had done enough and took her first win. Result; 1^st Qantro – N Drake, 2^nd Sky Walker – P Brown, 3^rd Cold Steel - Dey, Jarvis & Gowland.

8 of the fleet returned to the bay after lunch for the next race of the Spring series. The wind was still from the west so it would be a beat to Sandsend and a run back. A competitive start saw most of the fleet contesting the pin end of the line. Icon and Qantro had other ideas and went from the beach end, but found it impossible to weave their way through the right-off way pack and had to tack.

Antix established herself at the front, tacking close to shore to stay out of the tide. Icon found her way through into 2^nd, Sky Walker, leading class B, was also hugging the beach. Qantro decided that clear air would be more beneficial than avoiding the tide and tacked out.

At the mark Antix had a short lead over Icon who surprisingly had Qantro for company with Cold Steel 4^th. The usual 1, 2, 3 was re-established on the run back as Qantro decided not to fly her spinnaker and dropped down. Sky Walker did use her spinnaker to good effect to hold off the larger Masquerade and Lady Hamilton.

Lap 2 was repeat of lap 1. Antix and Icon again hugged the shore and made swift progress. Cold Steel tried tacking out hoping to make-up lost ground but found this was a mistake as Qantro re-passed them to be 3^rd around the windward mark again. Masquerade had a good leg, rounding close behind Sky Walker. At this point Double D decided that they would require engine power to make the bridge and retired.

Antix was far enough infront of Icon to take the win. Cold Steel again used her spinnaker to take 3^rd ahead of Qantro, although a few tricky moments during the drop almost allowed her rival to snatch it back. Sky Walker held off Masquerade for line honours in Class B, and an easy handicap win, with Lady Hamilton coming home 3^rd. Result: Class A – 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, 3^rd Cold Steel Class B – 1^st Sky Walker, 2^nd Masquerade, 3^rd Lady Hamilton.

Race Reports: 21st - 25th May

SAILING BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The yachtsmen had a busy time over the Bank Holiday weekend with a total of five races over a 5 day period. It started on the Thursday evening with a race in the continuing midweek series. Icon led the fleet away and quickly established the lead she would keep throughout. However the remainder swapped places constantly all through the race. Samaki led the trailing bunch in with Skywalker and Masquerade just about dead heating on the line and Teemane led in Bugs Bunny making her first sail of the year. However, the handicaps would reverse this order. Result: 1^st Icon, Neil and Lorraine Williamson, 2^nd Bugs Bunny, Andy Martland, 3^rd Skywalker, Pete Brown.

The White Rose cup was the silverware on offer on Saturday for the Yacht Club fleet. As is traditional this prize was decided by 2 races, a coastal race taking the boats out of the bay first, followed by a race in the bay. The coastal race would provide an extra test of the crew’s navigation skills as they would be required to round a virtual mark – that’s a GPS position which must be sailed around with no physical mark to be seen.

Samaki made the best start, rounding H mark and setting off on the long run to the virtual mark with her nose infront, but speedier spinnaker work soon had Antix at the front chased by Icon and Cold Steel. Qantro was steadily gaining on Samaki too, while Masquerade was doing well without a spinnaker to hold of Lady Hamilton who had their cruising chute set.

Reaching the virtual mark position first, Antix dropped their spinnaker and took a cautious wide line around it. Icon followed but Colin’s homework on Cold Steel paid off as a tighter rounding promoted them to 2^nd. Qantro finally caught Samaki at the mark, causing them both to run wide as they battled each other while trying to home in on the invisible buoy. Masquerade, Lady Hamilton and Double D each located the mark in order and the headed back into the bay.

The order was maintained on the reach into C mark, and then the sails were hardened in for a final beat to the finish. Antix managed to pull enough lead out to take the win ahead of Cold Steel who were delighted to take 2^nd ahead of Icon. Qantro held off Samaki to be 4^th home but the handicap would swap them round.

After a short break for lunch, the fleet headed back out for the deciding bay race. The wind had now freshened and shortened sails were in order. This caught some out, Icon and Qantro being particularly unready. Despite being short on crew, Samaki was as ready as anyone and made another good start.

Antix and Cold Steel again found their way quickly to the front, Samaki running 3^rd. Masquerade and Lady Hamilton were having a close battle which would continue for most of the race, and Icon had set about making up lost ground but Qantro was still struggling to sort her sails and set off with only mainsail up.

The fleet made speedy progress around 2 laps towards Sandsend and back, and so the race officer decided they could sail the complete course. This meant 2 more short laps. Antix maintained her lead, with Cold Steel on her tail. Icon had found her way up into 3^rd pushing Samaki down to 4^th. After swapping positions a few times Masquerade established herself ahead of Lady Hamilton, but the handicap was still favouring the latter. Qantro had finally got going and was steadily catching the tail of the fleet.

Antix completed a second victory to take the cup. Cold Steel securing the runners up place, even the full 4 laps not giving Icon quite enough time to recover any higher than 3^rd. Samaki was a fairly lonely 4^th by the end, well clear of Masquerade, Lady Hamilton and Qantro, who’s pursuit of the slower boats just failed as she was last home by a few seconds.

Overall Result: 1^st Antix – John Allen, 2^nd Cold Steel – Dey, Gowland and Jarvis, 3^rd Icon – Neil Williamson

Gorgeous sailing conditions returned on the Sunday, although the wind was a little gusty, when nine boats competed in the continuing Bank Holiday series. Antix took her usual position at the front, with Icon and Cold Steel snapping at her heels. Samaki led Class B with Masquerade and Lady Hamilton in pursuit. B & B quickly retired and Serenade of Parkstone took an incorrect route so was excluded, just leaving the leading 3 to man the podium. Result: Class A 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, 3^rd Cold Steel. 

Class B 1^st Samaki, 2^nd Lady Hamilton, Malcolm & Joanna Stuart, 3^rd Masquerade, David Miller

Stronger winds returned on Monday on a depleted fleet as the effort of racing on early morning starts weighed on the fleet. Class A was reduced to two and Antix showed Icon the way round the course. Class B with four boats were a bit closer and Skywalker and Samaki swapped places as they made their way to the windward mark off Sandsend and Lady Hamilton and Double D kept in touch. All the first four sported spinnaker for the run back to the Bell Buoy, now with the tide with them. As the fleet completed their first lap, the Race Officer sent class A back to Sandsend, but fortuitously left class B to complete a smaller lap as the wind dropped. Class A stayed in the same order and Samaki led in Class B, but couldn’t save her time on the closely following  Skywalker. Result: Class A, 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, Class B 1^st Skywalker, 2^nd Samaki, 3^rd Lady Hamilton.

Race Report: 2nd - 4th May 2015

Pursuit  1 – 2^nd May

The opening race of the popular pursuit series took place on Saturday. These are the races where the slower boats set off first with the rest the fleet starting at time intervals between and trying to catch up within the 2 hours of the race.

Double D was first away, and had completed a short windward leg into the strong Easterly wind, a reach out to the bell buoy and had started the run to Sandsend before the chasing pack got away.  In fact, with many of the other slower boats not out, a full 16 minutes passed before the second boat, Masquerade, started. Followed, in quick succession, by Samaki, Monsoon and Cold Steel.  Then, after another gap, Icon and finally Antix.

Monsoon was quickly in trouble as they didn’t leave enough room for the first mark and had to go back around, allowing Cold Steel past. Things were even worse on Samaki, a broken kicker forcing them to retire.

Different tactics were used for the run to sandsend, some goose-winging to sail directly to the mark while others jibed into the bay. Icon was one to go for the direct route and was making up ground, but Antix used their spinnaker and were also closing.

A hard beat back to the bell bouy followed and Double D still held a healthy lead, but then the navigation let them down as they headed for the wrong mark allowing the fleet to close. Cold Steel was the first to catch them having already passed Masquerade and grabbed the lead.

Rounding the bell buoy with the minutes running out Cold Steel still led but the others were close behind.  Antix swiftly launched their spinnaker and surfed past into the lead. Icon again took the direct route and made such progress that Antix were forced to jibe across and cover them but the win was secure. Result: 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, 3^rd Cold Steel

Bank Holiday 2; 4^th May

Having lost their racing on the Bank Holiday Sunday due to strong winds and driving rain, 9 boats were keen to get some water time on a lot more favourable day on the Bank Holiday Monday. They had good sunshine, a flat sea and a modest westerly wind. Icon made a well timed start and she was closely followed by a further 4 boats, Serenade of Parkstone, Cold Steel, Masquerade and Antix line abreast. After a short leg to the west, the fleet turned for the Bell Buoy and with the wind now behind them, they lit up the bay with their colourful spinnakers. Icon dropped her spinnaker a little early and allowed Antix to get to the front, a lead she wouldn’t lose for the rest of the race. After the Bell, the boats hauled in their sails to head westward to Sandsend. Cold Steel was third on the water and then Masquerade, the lead boat in class B. This leg proved very slow as the fleet plugged against the tide, but once they’d turned the mark, they rapidly returned to the Bell Buoy, now with the tide helping them. Class A’s order remained Antix, Icon, Cold Steel and Qantro and they’d made good progress so the Race Officer sent them round again, but Class B had become well spread out with Masquerade holding a good lead over Skywalker, Serenade of Parkstone, Double D and B & B, so their race was cut short to just one lap. Class A completed one more lap and the order remained the same on the water, but after the application of the handicap, it became obvious that Icon had managed to snatch the lead off Antix. Result: Class A 1^st Icon, 2^nd Antix, 3^rd Cold Steel. Class B 1^st Masquerade, 2^nd Skywalker, 3^rd Serenade of Parkstone

Stuart Perkins Cup and Spring 4

Sailing 25^th and 26^th April

After the Early Bird Cup was lost to the weather, Saturday’s Stuart Perkins Cup was the first chance of the season to bag some silverware. This was enough to entice 7 boats out despite a fresh WSW wind giving challenging conditions. With the forecast suggesting worsening weather through the day, a quick 1 lap course was set.

Lady Hamilton got the timing best at the start - leading the fleet to the first mark with Icon hard on her heels and the rest closely bunched behind. The next leg was out to the bell buoy, and here Antix made her move quickly hoisting her spinnaker and grabbing the lead. Icon did likewise and secured second place, ahead of Cold Steel and Samaki.

The fleet was spread out on the windward leg back in to P mark. Some were having troubles in the gusty conditions; early leader Lady Hamilton losing ground as she struggled with a main sheet which was threatening to come apart and Monsoon decided that they needed to reduce sail area and set about furling the head-sail.

Once they’d battled their way to Sandsend, it was a pretty speedy return to Whitby. Antix led home from Icon and Cold Steel, those three well clear of the two Starlights;- Samaki doing well to overturn her handicap disadvantage against Masquerade. All seven boats completing the course despite strengthening wind.

Result;- 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, 3^rd Cold Steel

It was back to the business of securing series points on Sunday. 9 boats headed out through a choppy harbour mouth to find better than expected conditions in the bay. A nice westerly breeze, and even a hint of sunshine.

Again Lady Hamilton got a good start, but she was quickly swallowed up by the two Sigmas – Icon and Cold Steel. Both keen to take advantage of a rare mistake by Antix which had left her struggling at the back. Qantro crept up into 3^rd early on the beat to Sandsend, Samaki also making progress through the fleet.

Tacking towards Sandsend, Antix was making up lost ground crossing ahead of Qantro but still behind the lead pair. Samaki was established at the front of class B, ahead of Masquerade and SkyWalker. Icon was first around with Antix now second ahead of Cold Steel, these 3 swiftly launching their spinnakers for the return run. Qantro was more reluctant to do so, eventually getting it up about half-way back. Samaki and SkyWalker were the only class B boats to use spinnakers, Masquerade dropping to third without one.

A short second lap saw Antix eventually get past Icon to take line honours, but Icon stayed close enough to take the win on corrected time. In class B Samaki had pulled well clear and Masquerade had re-passed SkyWalker but the handicap would give the smaller SkyWalker the advantage.

Results: Class A 1^st Icon, 2^nd Antix, 3^rd Cold Steel. Class B 1^st SkyWalker 2^nd Samaki 3^rd Masquerade

Nathaniel Drake, Rear Commodore Race

Race Report; Spring 2 & 3

SAILING 18^TH/19^TH APRIL

With a balmy week preceding the opening sailing weekend, crews were looking forward to some shirt sleeves sailing weather, but they would be sadly disappointed. Temperatures took a dive as the wind went round north and heavy oilskins would be the dress of the day for both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, seven boats were not deterred by the gloomy weather and were keen to get away, one too keen as Double D was well over starting line and had to return. Monsoon timed it superbly and led the fleet to the first turning mark off the west pier. The fleet turned the mark, hauled in their sails and started the beat to the Bell buoy. Antix had got up to speed and led the boats round the buoy with Icon not far back and Cold Steel chasing her sister ship. Monsoon’s moment of glory was over as she trailed everybody around the buoy. In class B, the smallest boat, Skywalker took the lead followed by Masquerade and then Double D. The order was maintained as class A approached the end of the first lap, but then some rusty sail handling had a big affect on the race for second. Icon rounded the penultimate buoy, but hadn’t put her genoa back up. It looked as if she’d handed second place to Cold Steel, but she also had forgotten where her halyards were and started to drop the mainsail, not once but twice. Cold Steel was first to get going at full speed and took the second place. Result:   Class A 1^st Antix, John Allen, 2^nd Cold Steel, Day,Jarvis&Gowland 3^rd Icon, Neil & Lorraine Williamson. Class B 1^st Skywalker, Pete Brown, 2^nd Masquerade, David Miller, 3^rd Double D, Dave Broughton.

By Sunday, the wind had increased and the sea was rougher. Only five boats were tempted out and they were set a short course to Sandsend and back. They quickly established the order Antix, Icon, Cold Steel, Masquerade and Skywalker and after the application of handicaps, class A’s order was maintained but in class B, the result was reversed by just 8 seconds. Result: Class A 1^st Antix, 2^nd Icon, 3^rd Cold Steel. Class B 1^st Skywalker, 2^nd Masquerade.

If you find this column incomprehensible, then you need to come along to the Yacht Club’s “Befriend a Boat Afternoon” which is being held on the Marina this Saturday, 25^th April at about 3pm after the boats return from racing. Skippers and crews will be around to show you over the boats and explain what they are doing out at sea and back in harbour. And if you might be interested in joining the club, there will be a New Members night in the club (over the top of the RNLI Museum and shop) on the same evening at 8pm. Hope to see you along.

Nigel Robinson

Vice Commodore