28th May 2022: The Saturday Spring Series Dinghy Races 3 & 4 and some wind! > After a number of frustrating sails in drifting conditions, the dinghy and cruiser fleets were treated to sunshine and a 5-12 knot NNE wind which allowed the crews on the trapeze boats to finally stretch their legs. > > The starts of both dinghy races were ‘competitive’ with a number of boats fiercely battling to get the best start and an early advantage. In the first race, Cameron and Tom sailing an Albacore were judged to be over the line (OCS) and had to return in order to clear their penalty. However, they were not out of the contention as there were many opportunities to make gains and losses throughout the race with big differences in wind direction and pressure across the course. At the end of the first of 2 laps, Cameron/Tom had clawed their way back to lead the competitive Albacore fleet with the K1 sailed by Guy Woodhouse well up on handicap. Guy went onto win the race on handicap with Jerry & Pauline overtaking Cameron/Tom and Tim/Simon to lead the Albacore home and take 2nd place. The two Laser 4.7’s also had a close race with Ian beating Freddie by only 10 seconds. > > 1st K1 Guy Woodhouse > > 2nd Albacore Jerry & Pauline Rook > > 3rd Albacore Cameron Moss/Tom Rawlings > > The wind had increased for the second race which better suited the trapeze boats. Cameron & Tom were again intent on getting a good start but were judged to be over the line’ as the starting horn sounded, as were Jerry & Pauline in their Albacore. > > Out in front after the first round were the skiffs:-the RS800 (Will & Joe) & RS700 (Simon) with the Fireball sailed by Graham & Will close behind and performing well on handicap. Back in the Albacore fleet, Joss and Ben had clearly had a good first lap as they held a significant lead over the other Albacores, but this evaporated during the race with constant place changing throughout. Results for the slower boats (Laser 4.7 sailed by Freddie, OK (Jake). Laser Radial (Ella) and RS Aero 5 sailed by Maggie) were calculated after a triangle/sausage (half distance). Throughout the race, the Fireball was well ahead on handicap but had to retire before the last downwind leg due to work commitments. Line honours went to the RS800 but the race win went to Simon in the RS700. The 700 is recognised as a difficult boat to sail and Simon clearly excelled on the relatively large course and the gusty conditions. > > 1st RS700 Simon Clark > > 2nd K1 Guy Woodhouse > > 3rd Albacore Cameron Moss/Tom Rawlings > > Cruiser Race > > Six cruisers also enjoyed the sunny conditions and an interesting course which took them upwind towards the Cardinal mark before heading East to the Charmouth Sewer Buoy and then back (under spinnaker) to the start/finish line. Dan Alsop got the best start but it was Medina (sailed by Commodore/Vice Commodores Rob and Margaret Wiscombe) that was fastest around the course in just under an hour. The Sailing Sec commented that their speed around the course was due to good boat set up and slick boat handling! Second on the water and handicap was Rob and Sharon Walker sailing their Parker 235 – only 2 minutes behind. Dan Alsop was 3rd in a Parker 273, closely followed by Ex Commodore Jeremy Wallace who was utilising all 4 limbs to good effect whilst sailing single handed in his Medina. > Report by RO Al Tyler, Sailing Sec (Racing). Full results on website. See also Bridport News 2.06.22
Photos: Dave Beer. Starts, Simon and Graham, Cruisers >> > >
Photos: Dave Beer. Starts, Simon and Graham, Cruisers >> > >
