Lymington Town Sailing Club Solent Circuit - Day 1

A beautiful sunny morning in Lymington was the backdrop for the opening weekend of the Lymington Town Sailing Club Solent Circuit. The series would get underway with 40 crews venturing out in the solent to contest race one over four fleets.

Preparations for the Solent Circuit began weeks ago, but there was still plenty to do on Sunday morning, for both the race officials and the competitors taking part in the series. At around 8.30, the main action would start, with the committee boat leading the crews out into the solent.

A flurry of activity would begin after the committee boat had anchored, the race officials setting about preparing the course information boards and flags ready for the first warning signal. The crews racing in the competition were soon at the starting area as well, completing their final checks ahead of the race.

With racing underway, it was the Folkboats and the J80's providing the majority of the entertainment, the top 3 of both fleets barely separated throughout.

After an hour and a half of racing, just a few lengths was all that separated the J80's on the run up to the finish line, Nigel Brooke and Hush taking the victory in the six boat fleet. Ray Mitchell and Checkmate were second, leading Andrew Hurst and Fudicial across the line to complete the top 3.

By the time the Folkboats finished, Richard Martin and Second Wind had managed to create themselves a relatively comfortable lead, taking the race victory ahead of second placed Samphire and helm James Hoare. However it was the race for third that was the most exciting, Julian Sowry's Pilgrim just taking the final podium spot.

In the IRC fleet, the winner once the times had been corrected was Bob Baker and Jaywalker while in the LAH, Google Eye and helm Pat Stables would win the first race of the series for their class. Second placed Richard Truscott and Unity weren't too far behind on the water, keeping second place once the handicap had been taken into account.

Racing continues next weekend. If you are interested in getting involved in the series, please contact Lymington Town Sailing Club on 01590 674 514.

Day 1 Results: (top 3)

IRC
1, Bob Baker, Jaywalker
2, Allan Hill, Colleen
3, Ross Applebey, High Potential

LAH
1, Pat Stables, Google Eye
2, Richard Truscott, Unity
3, John Fitzsimmons, Sgt Pepper

Folkboat
1, Richard Martin, Second Wind
2, James Hoare, Samphire
3, Julian Sowry, Pilgrim

J80
1, Nigel Brooke, Hush
2, Ray Mitchell, Checkmate
3, Andrew Hurst, Fiducial