Salcombe Yacht Club Winter Series - Race 6
by David Greening 17 Dec 2013 09:39 GMT
15 December 2013
A force 6 breeze with forecast storm force 10 gusts later in the afternoon, saw the small group of sailors that gathered in the boat park considering the possibility of racing with some reluctance, eventually it was decided on a "all for one and one for all" basis that they would remain united, and not go racing for reasons of self- preservation.
No sooner had this been decided when late comer Bruce Hattersley arrived with the news that a life jacket flag was flying on the Starting Box, and racing would commence in half an hour. Testosterone has a strange effect of middle aged Solo sailors, and soon five Solos launched into the near gale force winds.
Upon arrival in the starting area, there were more spectators in Cliff House Gardens than competitors on the water, all looking for an afternoon of entertainment.
Chris Cleaves was first to cross the start line, followed by Tim Law and David Greening. By the first mark, Chris was leading from Bruce Hattersley and Adrian Griffin. Tim and David recognizing that this was boat breaking weather, turned for home for early baths.
The spectator's afternoon proved short lived, when Race Officer Jon Lewis decided enough was enough and shortened the race after only one lap. This was a good call since by this stage the wind had increased and windward progress against the flood tide was proving near impossible.
Cleaves lived up to his reputation, and used his excess weight to sail imperiously to the finish and take first place without capsizing. Bruce Hattersley soldiered on to take second place only to succumb to a big capsize as he sailed away from the finish line, whereas class captain Adrian Griffin suffered the indignity of sailing much of the course before capsizing and having to return home.
More 50 miles per hour winds are forecast for next week!
Race 6 Results:
Solo
1st 5295, Chris Cleaves
2nd 5453, Bruce Hattersley