Spring Series Races 5 & 6. Sunday 28th April

Race 5:

There were blissful conditions for the final Spring Series races with a shifty Force 3 to 4 WSW offshore breeze. The first course was windward (laid mark), Woodside (spreader), Fairway (leeward), leeward spreader (laid mark) all to port.

First off were the Fast Handicap class - two RS400s and Gregor in his RS100. With all three boats swiftly underway both RS400s were level pegging coming to the windward mark before ripping it downwind reaching speeds of 12 knots! A few laps later the RS400 of Neil and Mark took line honours, successfully maintaining their short lead over Steve and Chris.

Next off was the highly competitive Squib class. Vivacious got the dream start but this lead wouldn't last for long! With too many overtakes to recall approaching the leeward mark, Fairway, Vivacious, Osprey and Rhapsody were three abreast with Rhapsody coming out on top after the reach before the short beat up to the line to conclude the first lap. The drama was far from over with the top three now becoming four as Panther, helmed by Ian finally showed up to the party, come the second downwind leg. Amidst the action Osprey failed to navigate around the reach mark of Woodside and was forced to drop her spinnaker and beat back to correct her mistake. The final score saw Rhapsody cross the line first, closely followed by Panther in a case of 'what might have been' should she not have to play catch-up from a poor start. Vivacious came home in third and Osprey brought up the rear, that second lap blunder cost her dearly.

The slow handicap was raced by the ILCA 4 of Leo, who persevered to successfully complete the course set in good time. With all fleets using similar marks, Leo caught up with the Squibs just ahead to get a front row seat for all the drama.

Race 6:

With the wind shifting more to the left, Woodside was the new windward mark followed by Fairway (gybe mark) and leeward (laid mark) all to port.

Due to the RS100 struggling to keep it upright in the first race, only two RS400s took to the water in the second race of the day. Once again showcasing their skills, Neil and Mark took the win with Steve and Chris just under 30 seconds behind.

Next up were the Squibs with Chris Gear in Osprey determined to right his wrongs after that unfortunate mistake in the first race. Once again, after a tight windward beat, all four boats found themselves abreast each fighting hard to streak a lead. Vivacious was determined to show everyone they were not afraid of getting their elbows out, forcing Panther to tack just before the lap/finish line resulting in the latter having to gybe back to make it through the line. With Panther out of contention, Vivacious soon challenged Steve in Rhapsody, demoting her to third place, promoting Vivacious to second. After the mishaps of the first race, Chris in Osprey kept his hands clean and came home to take a well-deserved victory.

The final race for the slow handicap ILCA 4 was Woodside, Fairways, leeward laid mark, line, all to port. Leo had a good start accelerating nicely off the line. He showed great upwind development, navigating the wind shifts and gusts well.

We would like to thank all the sailors and volunteers who have assisted us in running the Spring Series. Now the weather is getting warmer, more boats are coming out to play. We hope to see more on the start line this coming Monday for the Bank Holiday Race 3 starting at 1000 hrs.

Many thanks,

Charlie & Harry White

Last updated 11:52 on 1 May 2024