IRM in the Raymarine Warsash Big Boat Series - Weekend 1
by Eddie Mays 4 Apr 2007 15:19 BST
31 March - 1 April 2007
Big winds for the IRM fleet in the Raymarine Warsash Big Boat Series © Eddie Mays
Season Opener
Last weekend provided a cracking start to the IRM Class season with the first weekend of the Warsash Big Boat Series. 15 boats have entered the series and the entry list shows seven Farr 45s, four Swan 45s and a sprinkling of other designs.
A wintry sky and biting Force 4-5 Northeasterly greeted the ten boats starting the first race, which was a five leg windward / leeward course starting off the Island shore at Mackley Construction. After a clean start the boats were divided in their opinion on the best way up the first beat. 'Fraxious' had gained a slight advantage by the first mark but behind her the fleet were packed closely together. 'Fraxious' maintained her lead for the rest of the rest but on the 2nd beat the options were less obvious and most boats went to the left. 'Werewolf' was chasing 2nd placed 'John Merricks' and the rest still close behind. The 2nd lap made significant changes to the running order. By the last leeward mark 'Exabyte' had taken 2nd place, 'John Merricks' was still handily placed but 'Werewolf' had slipped back into the pack and then had spinnaker drop problems that effectively ended her race.
By 12:30, when the 2nd race started, the wind had swung towards the East, gained a force and the sea conditions were worsening. 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' (WISC) made a good start from under the Committee boat and was one of the early leaders. By the time the fleet was approaching the newly laid windward mark there was a line of six boats abreast. Having rounded the mark and set off downwind the fleet was hit by a big gust as most of them were deciding to gybe onto port. 'WISC' & 'Shockwave' were the heaviest losers. At the bottom mark 'Henri Lloyd - Cutting Edge' (HLCE) rounded ahead of 'Fever', 'Exabyte' & 'Fraxious'. The 2nd run again caused problems and 'Fever', which was leading at the time, had a bad broach and fell by the wayside. This allowed 'Exabyte' to take control and she covered the rest of the fleet to the line. Conditions were by now still worsening with over 30 kts of breeze and the boats were sent home.
Sunday morning saw the arrival of the newly liveried 'Fortis Excel'. Her chrome effect hull makes her a striking addition to the fleet. The wind was lighter but still from the Northeast and the weather felt colder. P.R.O. David Greenway set the start line by the South Ryde Middle buoy and the class raced as part of IRC 1. 'Moonraker' snagged a buoy on the start line with a couple of minutes to go but everyone managed to avoid her but it rather ruined their day. 'Fraxious' again led round the top mark and kept her lead until a mistake in reading the course took her to the wrong mark. This allowed the pack to overtake and in a thrilling finish 'Exabyte' took the victory by two lengths from 'Henri Lloyd-Cutting Edge' with 'Werewolf' a length behind. The wind again increased for the last race of the day leading to some retirements and after a very close race 'Werewolf' took both line and race honours. So after the first weekend Shaun leads Jack by a couple of points with Robert & Martin a further couple of points behind.
All in all a good introduction to the season for the boats and crews. Next weekend, Easter, sees the class taking part in the Red Funnel Easter Challenge with helpful analysis from Jim Saltonstall, Barry Dunning & Cathy Foster. The Warsash Big Boat Series concludes on the last weekend of April.
Provisional Results:
Class 1 as IRC
Race 1, GBR 45R, Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Swan 45, Glynn Williams
Race 2, GBR 4512R, Exabyte Four, Farr 45, Shaun Frohlich
Race 4, GBR 45R, W.I.S.C., Swan 45, Glynn Williams
Race 5, GBR 745R, Werewolf, Farr 45, Jerry Otter
Class 1 as IRM
Race 1, GBR 4545R, Fraxious, Farr 45, Jack Pringle
Race 2, GBR 4545R, Fraxious, Farr 45, Jack Pringle
Race 4, GBR 745R, Werewolf, Farr 45, Jerry Otter
Race 5, GBR 745R, Werewolf, Farr 45, Jerry Otter