2ndhanddinghies RS200 SW Ugly Tour at Starcross Yacht Club
by Pete Vincent 30 Sep 2016 12:46 BST
24 September 2016
Teague siblings battle it out at breezy Starcross
Round 5 of the 2ndhanddinghies RS200 Ugly Tour and the action moved to the Exe Estuary and the delightful Starcross YC. Allowing for the weather forecast that suggested there would be no sailing an encouraging number of boats started rigging although by launch time with the breeze already rising only 11 boats made the first start. In 16-20 knots from due south the fleet split up the first beat against the tide. It was the Liz Teague/Fred Mainwaring love boat that led from the left to hold a good lead. Brother John Teague and Naomi Pound set off in hot pursuit and 2 rounds later caught sister Liz on the final beat to win. Dave Sweet/James Williams were 3rd with Ian/Claire Mills 4th.
The wind had risen for the start of race 2 now 18-24 knots. Pete Vincent and The Emma Hivey not only found a new gear after a wet first race but turned on turbo over drive to power into a massive lead only to wipe out on lap 3. Alistair Norris and Helen Summersgill nose dived hoisting leaving déjà vu with Liz/Fred in the lead chased by John/Naomi. The last gybe to the finish proved conclusive John/Bubbles timed it right and had the advantage line into the finish only for Liz/Fred to practice their capsize drill. Alistair/Helen were 3rd and Pete/Emma 4th
Race Officer Russ Gibbs came to the very sensible conclusion that the wind was only going to carry on rising and abandoned further racing. Within 10 minutes of the getting the last boat ashore the wind had properly hit 30 knots.
If Liz and Fred had held onto their lead on the final run of race 2 they would have won the open but brother John and Bubbles took overall honours. Many thanks to Starcross for being such great hosts again and doing such a good job to fit 2 races in the small available window.
With one round on the 2ndhanddinghies RS200 SW Ugly Tour left on Oct 22nd at Chew Valley it is now a straight fight between Edd Whitehead/Kate Allam and John Teague/Naomi Pound for overall honours. Hannah Smith/Nick Smith look like they have a good enough lead in Silver whilst Pete/Flea Haddrell look in control in the Bronze but could be caught by Victoria Upton/Jess Harding.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Crew | R1 | R2 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | John Teague | Naomi Pound | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Liz Teague | Fred MaInwaring | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | Dave Sweet | James Williams | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | Pete Vincent | The Emma Hivey | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 5 | Ian Mills | Claire Mills | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | Andy Brierley | Larissa Connabeer | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| 7 | Alistair Norris | Helen Summersgill | 12 | 3 | 15 |
| 8 | Hannah Smith | Nick Smith | 7 | 9 | 16 |
| 9 | Joe Stansfield | Ellie Geare | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| 10 | Pete Haddrell | Flea Haddrell | 12 | 12 | 24 |
| 11 | Grant Boorer | Alex Dudgeon | 12 | 12 | 24 |