Brass Monkey Series at Liverpool Yacht Club - Day 4
by Andrew Napper 22 Feb 2011 07:59 GMT
20 February 2011
Liverpool Brass Monkey Series race 4 © Andrew Napper
After the hurricane season had abated, LYC were back on the water for the continuation of the Reynard Systems Brass Monkey Series. Although the wind was no hurricane, the large tide added a few knots to a steady force 4.
The fleet spread itself across the start line looking for either the port flyer or the more conservative starboard reach in. The big boat start-line party was gate crashed by Clarevouyant who had heckles raised and ears pricked at the arrival of a south easterly wind, which made the beat with the tide. The name of the game on the windward leg was staying in the best of the tidal stream. In Class 1, this was best achieved by Seaker (aka Flash). They were the only boat to buck the trend in their arrival at the windward mark, just inside Bada Bing who were not really sure which spinnaker was going to come out of their hatch. Fortunately for them, the right selection had been made (in error). This was not confirmed until after the hoist. Once set, the Bing was off and away after two long months of waiting.
Quattro squandered an early lead in Class 2 to Musketeer whilst they sorted out their spinnaker. We are best not mentioning spinnakers to Skukusa, unless they are of the exploding variety. Tango remained steady and Clarevoyant moved up into what can only be described as an unbelievable position.
Unfortunately, due a course error, Ulula had to drop their spinnaker and honourably return to G11 to unwind their course. This would take them out of contention for the day. The approach to E2 was blighted with some interesting shaped waves, which made for interesting negotiation with the River. The Race Officer (Daydream Believer) threw in the old "G3 to Dingle" to keep things interesting for the Class 1 foredeck occupants. Drop-Jibe-Jibe-Hoist. Nice! Thence to the finish, Mighty Max, Another Nods and then Bada Bing.
In Class 2 Musketeer took the line and there was a nail biting approach to the finish between Clarevouyant and Magic Moments. Clarevoyant won this skirmish by one second allowing them to occupy the summit of the podium.
Never a dull moment on the Mersey.