British Contender Nationals at Felpham Sailing Club - Day 1
by Iain Horlock 29 Aug 2014 10:35 BST
28-31 August 2014
Contender Nationals at Felpham day 1 © Bill Brooks
Thirty-six boats turned up for a breezy first day on the south coast. The sailors were tested before they even got to the race area with 3ft waves breaking on the shore.
Ferguson's trapeze line snapped within 200m of launching from the beach, causing a quick about turn and repair job before the first race.
A general recall on the first start meant the race officer insisted on a black flag for the restart. Everyone got away cleanly in a good force 4... occasionally 5 with some good sized waves from the south west.
The usually steady veteran K. Paul capsized near a mark causing him to get very familiar with it, and an eventual retirement in a tricky wind over tide situation with big waves.
T. White tried everything apart from the butterfly stroke to try and catch up with his boat after it sailed away without him downwind, but to no avail, and the rib had to help him catch up!
By the top mark, heavy weather specialist Mussel had already pulled out a small lead, although the Holden brothers were hot on his heels. A broad first reach gave an interesting angle to the waves. First gybe, Jones tipped it in, and Langdown immediately followed suit, leaving a nice gap between 4th and the rest of the fleet.
Round the bottom mark of the sausage it was Mussel, Holden, Holden, Boshier, Horlock.
On the second lap B. Holden caught one of the many lobster pots the litter the course area and promptly tipped it in!
By the third lap Mussel had pulled out a very big lead and cruised to victory, followed by Holden 2,3 and Horlock 4th.
Second race, and it was still a good force 4... Mussel once again lead the fleet followed by the Holden brothers. Mussel decided to go for a swim on the 2nd lap temporarily giving the lead to B. Holden, but this was short lived as Mussel seems to have an extra knot of boat speed upwind.
Mussel, Holden, Holden, Jones was the result on the 2nd race, leaving the same positions overall.
The Commodore's reception took place on Thursday night, along with a few pints after a hard day on the water.
Friday's forecast is for more breeze, which could cause havoc to an already tricky launching and recovery area.