Brass Monkey at Liverpool and Tranmere Sailing Clubs Day 8

A forecast of light winds, a big tide and very warm weather didn't deter the 14 yachts which turned out to compete in the last of the 8 race Brass Monkey Series sponsored by Renard Security Systems. After a short postponement the race was started with a very closely fought start. Artful Dodger proving marginally too aggressive and O.C.S and subject to an individual recall.

Class 1 charged down the river tacking to Dingle buoy and G9 before rounding, kites up and fighting the tide back to G5. Mighty Max 2, Another Nods, Ulula and Easy Tiger leading the way. The 2 Primas staying very close to each other, Bada Bing, Diva and Daydream believer always in the mix. The Class 2 vessels led all the way by Quattro with Skukusa always close in hand beat to G7 before rounding to fight the current. The sight of kites flying and boats staying close to the river walls provided a great spectacle for the several hundred members of the public who gathered along the promenade to watch.

Both classes reached back down the river with class 1 rounding G11 before turning to cross to the Eastham channel, a drop in the wind meant a close call as the tide changed but all yachts managed the marks with class 1 turning to run back from E4 to G3, spinnakers flying. Class 2 turning with Quattro still leading the way at E2.

The class 2 boats finished the shorter course first with line honour going to Quattro, followed by Skukusa, Quilla, Tango, Di rich, Artful Dodger and Clairvoyant.

Line honours in class 1 went to Another Nods with Mighty Max 2 close behind. On corrected time the class 1 race was won by Easy Tiger, Daydream Believer second with Bada Bing getting the third place. In class 2 the race was won by Tango, Skukusa second and Quattro third. Ken Roberts Race Officer

The presentation by LYC member Brass Monkey series Sponsor, Dave Butterfield (crewman aboard Another Nods) and CEO of Renard Security Systems (U.K.) was well received as the generous prizes were won by John Myerscough, Quilla, Steve Harrison, Quattro and the overall winner Stu Lofthouse, Skukusa for Class 2.

Jim Cartwright, Daydream Believer, Neil Thomas, Mighty Max, and the overall winner of Class 1, Jon Oliver, Mark Connolly and Adam Kyffin's Easy Tiger.

This year's Brass Monkey Series has once again set the benchmark for our coming racing calendar; Easter Bunny series next off, the start of the Spring and Evening series, the challenge against Royal Mersey to retain the Admiral's Cup and we look forward expectantly to the burgeoning and ever improving Venture fleet to flex its muscles! The Regatta at Holyhead early in June will once again see LYC yachtsmen flying our burgee in distant waters against clubs from all around the Irish sea; a challenging prospect.

Race 8 Results: