Brookes Bell Mariteam Spring Series in Docklands - Day 3
by Alistair Roaf 2 Jul 2013 11:40 BST
1 July 2013
On the evening of Monday 1st July the third set of races in the Brookes Bell Mariteam Series were completed. The Series is competed by London-based maritime law and insurance companies at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, in the heart of the Isle of Dogs. Day 3 was the biggest entry of the series, so far, with new entries from Jackson Parton and the return of the Britannia team. The wind was force 2 to 3 from the west and relatively steady for the racing taking place at the eastern end of Millwall Dock.
Race 1 was led start to finish by Alistair Roaf and Roger Daniells (Brookes Bell) who started at the committee boat end and found pressure on the right-hand side allowing them to get clear with Sarah Allan and Andrew Powell (Bentleys Stokes Lowless) chasing. With the short first beat the bulk of the fleet did not separate before arriving at the windward mark which ended up in a very congested mark rounding for some.
Race 2 was initially led by Sarah Allan for the first three marks. Unfortunately for her, a massive bend in the wind sent her to the right looking for wind. This allowed Alistair Roaf to gain the lead on a separate more favourable gust; he then enjoyed the clear air to take the race. On the final beat Ted Graham with Charles O'Connor (Ince & Co.) managed to pass Sarah to take second place.
Race 3 was another good start for Sarah Allan who was again first round the windward mark. The middle of the fleet bunched up around the windward mark with unfortunate results for some; the confusion allowed the leading pack to get clear. At the front, Sarah made sure that she was not caught out by the wind this time and went on to win. Second place was taken by Drewry Cooper and Ed. Hicks (Hill Dickinson), third was Ted Graham. Sailing their best race of the evening was Julian Brown and Sarah Haq (Thomas Miller).
Special mention must go Guy Main, Andrew Spyrou and Catherine Emsellem-Rope (Holman Fenwick Willan), as they were the highest placed boat sailing with three people on board.
After the sailing everyone met for drinks and egg sandwiches. The final set of races in the series will be in two weeks, on Monday 15th July.
The series results can be seen at www.brookesbell.com/mariteam_results.php