Haven Series 40th Anniversary Mercator Trophy Race to Ostende

Fourteen boats turned out for this race in very light northerly winds. During the run from Harwich Harbour to Medusa Fatjax and Suds managed to pull away from the rest of the pack. Jabberwock, having started late sailed around most of the fleet along the Naze shore.

After a gybe at Medusa and a reach to the North East Gunfleet Fatjax and Suds ran out of wind. Everyone else caught them up only to run out of wind themselves. Soon a light breeze from East South East filled in. Fatjax rounded North East Gunfleet first, in front of Jabberwock.

Then followed a light and variable beat to the Longsand Head. Fatjax put up her code zero and pulled away from the fleet. Closely followed by Bula Gila, Suds and Jabberwock. The wind disappeared again just past the Longsand Head, three boats decided to retire and head back to Harwich.

Eventually the wind filled in from the East, favouring those boats who were furthest North. Then it was a fast but very cold fetch all the way to Ostende.

Overall Results: (IRC Haven Handicap)

1st Rainbow, R. Farrance and J. Hale (WFYC)
2nd Bula Gila, M. Fuller (OYC)
3rd Fatjax, I. Kirkpatrick (HPYC)
4th Silva Gull, F.Gooderham (OYC)
5th Cosmic Dancer, R&K walker (HPYC)

1st Two handed boat was Brave, Richard and Cathy Brown

A wet, cold and very windy trip home on Sunday for us all!