Noble Marine Supernova Travellers' Series at Exe Sailing Club

Noble Marine Supernova Travellers at Exe © Caz Hand

Noble Marine Supernova Travellers at Exe © Caz Hand

Noble Marine Supernova Travellers at Exe © Caz Hand

The late May Bank Holiday weekend saw the latest event of the Noble Marine Supernova Traveller Series, take place at Exe Sailing Club in East Devon. The two day event saw 6 races out at sea in Lyme Bay, and the small but growing fleet of 3 local Supernovas were supported by 25 visiting helms coming as far afield as Bolton.

Because of the long distance most people had to travel it was decided to have a late start on the Saturday with the boats leaving the beach at 1pm. Saturday was a beautiful day with the sun sparkling on the water, but unfortunately very little wind.

Race 1 got underway despite the light wind, however, the wind grew even lighter and just as the lead boats approached the windward mark, a sea breeze developed causing a shift of almost 180 degrees. The Race Officer took the decision to abandon the race and the mark layers quickly got to work relaying the course. With remarkable speed (a credit to the Exe SC race team), the 1st race got underway again. Class Chairman Chris Hawley took an early lead but was caught by Cliff Milliner who took the win. The ever consistent Mike Gibson finished in 3rd.

Race 2 saw the sea breeze settle down to a consistent light breeze and on this occasion it was Milliner who took the early lead. Milliner seemed to get caught up in the nostalgia of seeing RS200s on the course and decided to follow them taking him way off course to the wrong mark. Gibson took the advantage and stole the honours with Alex Collins in second 2nd and Gavin Young in 3rd.

The final race on day 1 ended with the usual suspects at the front and another 1st for Milliner, Collins picking up another 2nd, and Gibson 3rd.

The crews made the most of the incoming tide to get back ashore around 5pm where the trolley team were on hand to get the boats quickly ashore as an array of freshly baked cakes and tea was awaiting. The majority of the Supernova sailors together with partners/families decided to make the most of the beautiful sunny evening and stayed on at the sailing club to enjoy some liquid refreshments and dinner.

Day 2 saw a cloudy start but very little breeze and on this occasion with a flood tide to contend with to get out to the race area which resulted in the unusual sight of crews pulling their boats around the corner of Dawlish Warren in order to cheat the tide. The first two races took place in very light conditions as helms took the decision which side of the beat to the windward mark would be most favourable and several who took the inshore route lost out considerably to those that tacked out to seaward.

In race 4, Milliner carried on where he had left off the previous day taking 1st with Tim Hand getting in amongst the top 3 for the 1st time during this event to take 2nd. Gibson finished 3rd.

In race 5, Hand improved once again and having had a fantastic first beat took the top spot, and Collins taking 2nd, and Gibson with yet another 3rd.

The final race of the event saw some light rain and with it finally a decent sailing breeze to end the series. Having found his form, Hand took 1st place again with Milliner in 2nd and after a tight battle Collins sneaked 3rd.

The Supernova helms then had an exhilarating sail back in through the channel where the wind over tide created some good waves on which to practice surfing ready for the nationals in mid-June.

Once again the trolley assistants were waiting on shore as was the table creaking with the weight of cakes for all to eat.

Thanks to all the competitors who made the journey to Exmouth to take part and a big thank you to the event organisers and volunteers at Exe SC, ashore and afloat for making this such an enjoyable weekend event.

Overall Results:

An additional prize was awarded to Bob Horlock from the host Club of Exe SC who was the 1st Mk1 Supernova overall.