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