Inaugural Wayfarer Team Racing at King George Sailing Club

Inaugural Wayfarer Team Racing event at King George © Stuart Philbey

Volunteers ensure Team Racing returns to King George

This winter has seen a group of volunteers led by Darren Horton, Gary Bennett and Stuart Philbey focusing on reconditioning some formerly unloved club wayfarers. All the work delivered dividends when it meant we could hold our inaugural Wayfarer team racing event.

As 12.30 approached, the organisers sat nervously awaiting entrants as the wind blew between 20 and 30 knots. In the end, entrants included old seadogs, sailors who have only recently passed their RYA 2 and the youngest entrant – John Lane who is still only 11 years old.

Teams were allocated randomly as sailors arrived and are listed at the end of the report. The rules are simple – whichever team has a fourth place loses the race regardless of other results.

Race 1 was between team A and B. Helms Laurence, (A1) and Ken (A2), pretty much controlled the race from beginning to end although they briefly looked down the barrel due some confusion over who was making a break for it and who was covering.

Race 2 was a much more closely fought encounter. C2 was leading with Mo helming, but held back trying to cover Sean (B1) and Phil (B2) while Andy (C1) made a break for it. All was going well for team C, until Andy had some trouble with some extremely firm gusts. Now it was Phil's turn to make a break for it while Mo continued covering Sean. A protest meant Sean had to do a 360, but Andy still struggled behind. A further incident resulted in a contested protest that was supported by the event judge. Failure to perform the turn meant Team B was disqualified despite Phil taking his first gun of the day.

Race 3 was between the two so far undefeated teams and tactics became essential. Andy (C1) and Sam now helming A2 made a break for it while Laurence (A1) and Mo (C2) had a tactical battle. This was the order of the day up to the final run. An immediate gybe by Mo meant Laurence was up against it with both teams racing downhill, but with Mo on starboard and Laurence on port. A gentle collision meant a 360 for Laurence.

The hunt was now on. Andy (C1) was first to the mark, but then struggled upwind. Sam held back to cover Mo, but a tightly fought rounding resulted in a swapping of positions. A fetch to the finish offered little in the way of tactics so with Mo finishing first and Sam second, it was down to their teammates. Andy eventually recovered from a rather disastrous leeward marking to just hold off a strong finish from Laurence.

With that, it was left to Team C to accept the honour of winning this brilliantly run first event. Particular thanks for to the on the water judges (Darren, Gary and Stewart), the race officer; Alan Horey and Chris Hodge who was the back office angel for the event.

A fantastic day was completed by everyone digging into Gary Bennetts Birthday Cake – Happy 55th Gary!

We are already looking forward to the next two events that start at 12.30 on Saturday 18th April and 9th May. Entrance is only £2.00 per member.