Chichester Yacht Club Snowflake Series
by Meryl Deane 17 Mar 2016 08:22 GMT
January - March 2016
Chichester YC Snowflake Series © CYC
Chichester Yacht Club's 40th Snowflake Series ran over 6 weekends from January to March 2016. Day 1 followed stormy overnight winds. A bizarre twist in the weather brought no wind to start Day 1. Eventually two races were run. Day 2 was plagued by almost no wind- with a single race run. In contrast Day 3 was hit by Storm Imogen - which brought a F6 -7. This was borderline sailable, many racers went out only to head straight back to the safety of the shore/ After a shortened first race the second race was abandoned. More windy weather hit Day 4, again a F6 -7, luckily this abated during the racing. Even so it was a day for the experts. Day 5 was a scheduled single long race with stiff breeze in near freezing but sunny conditions, brought excellent racing. The final races were held in ideal conditions with a F4-5 breeze and bright sunshine.
With thanks to the race officers, entry desk, beach master and tea bar helpers. And extra special thanks to all the safety boat helms & crew for all their hard work in some tricky conditions.
Fast Fleet
The Fast Fleet was comprised largely of Merlin Rockets, Fireballs & RS400s with exciting racing, throughout. After Day 1 Roger & Jane Gilbert (Merlin – Felpham) were first in both races. William Warren & Mark Oakley (Merlin – Shoreham) were just behind in Race 1. The Gilberts led the series at the end of Day 1. On Day 2 the first 4 boats were Merlin Rockets with Alex Jackson & Bill Carroll (Hampton SC) first. Roger & Jane Gilbert continued to lead the Series.
On Day 3 with its high winds only 5 boats started in the Fast Fleet, 3 finished, with Simon Kings & Alistair Westle (Fireball -HISC) first, but with no change to the series lead. On Day 4 David & Fiona Sayce (Fireball HISC) secured two first places and took the series lead. Day 5 brought an exciting race with the leaders David & Fiona Sayce having a real challenge on the water from James & Anne Gardner (HISC RS400) who finished just ahead. David & Fiona took first on handicap, and continued to lead the series. The ideal conditions on Day 6 brought out the International 14 of Archie Massey & Harvey Hillary (ISC) who won both races.
Fast Fleet Results:
1st David & Fiona Sayce, - Fireball - HISC
2nd Sophie Mackley & James Warren, - Merlin Rocket - Shoreham SC
3rd Simon Kings & Alistair Westle, - Fireball - HISC
4th Simon & Jack Townsend, RS400 - Emsworth SC
5th William Warren & Mark Oakley, Merlin Rocket – Shoreham SC
Medium Fleet
In the Medium Fleet, the first race on Day 1 was notable for domination of the RS Feva of Jack Millar & Lauren Bentley, (Felpham SC), who won Race 1. Ray Collins – Solo (Locks SC) won Race 2 and took the overall lead. On Day 2 the fastest boat on the water was Richie Bailey in a Laser (Emsworth SC), who while well ahead on the water dropped back to 3rd on handicap. The remaining top places were taken by Solos, with Martin Frary (Solo) first, and Guy Mayger (Felpham SC) second. Martin Frary took over the overall lead.
On Day 3 the high winds reduced numbers with Alex Butler (Laser 4.7 – HISC) winning. The series lead unchanged. Day 4 saw Steve & Sarah Cockerill (2000 - Stokes Bay SC) taking two first places, moving up to second in the series. By Day 5 Steve & Sarah Cockerill had really got into their stride in the 2000, dominating the racing being the only boat to complete 4 laps, well ahead of the rest of the Fleet, taking the series lead. Alex Butler (HISC - Laser 4.7) also had a good day with a well-deserved second place. The final day saw Steve & Sarah Cockerill taking another two wins enjoying the breezy conditions, giving them a convincing overall series win. Some notable sailing was seen in the last race from Jack Miller & Lauren Bentley (RS Feva - Felpham SC) who sailed their Feva very fast in the windy conditions to take second place.
Medium Fleet Results:
1st Steve & Sarah Cockerill, - 2000 – Stokes Bay SC
2nd Martin Frary, - Solo
3rd Alex Butler, - Laser 4.7 – HISC
4th Jack Miller & Lauren Bentley, - RS Feva - Felpham SC
5th Guy Mayger, - Solo – Felpham SC
6th Richie Bailey, – Laser – Emsworth SC
Slow Fleet
On Day 1 Fin Swanton took two first places in his Topper, consolidating this on Day 2 with another first. Alfie Lester also in a Topper (Flepham SC) was second and Henry Green & Seb Woodall were 3rd (RS Feva – Langstone SC). On Day 3 only Georgie Cousens & Jessica Randall-May (ESC/CYC) braved the weather in their RS Feva, but sensibly retired in the tricky conditions. Day 4 brought wins for Henry Green & Seb Woodall (RS Feva - Langstone SC) in both races, with some great reaches. Fin Swanton managed a 3rd in one race and continued to lead the series. On Day 5 four RS Feva's raced in the chilly conditions. Henry Green & Seb Woodall got a good lead and finished well ahead of the other three boats. Henry & Seb moved up to second position in the series challenging Fin Swanton (Felpham SC –Topper) who remained as series lead. On the final day the RS Feva's battled it out with Nina & Connie Radford (Langston SC) and Henry Green & crew (Langston SC) taking a win each.
Slow Fleet Results:
1st Fin Swanton, Topper – Felpham SC
2nd Nina & Connie Radford, RS Feva - Langstone SC
3rd Henry Green & crews, RS Feva – Langstone SC
4th Julia Martin & Amy Clayton RS Feva – Emsworth SC