Wildwind Wednesdays at Lymington Town Sailing Club - Race 2
by Alastair Beeton 25 Apr 2018 08:52 BST
18 April 2018
Race Officer Keith Willis set an East of the River Course for one of the lowest tides of the year and a sizeable fleet to fit into the narrow river. The wind was steady from the North East, swinging more easterly for the second lap, but held up for the majority of the race.
The start was an interesting affair with many boats misjudging the river current and found themselves on the wrong side of the start line. A few believed that it was someone else who was over, so carried on – to be denied a finish when the line was crossed.
The fast handicap of 15 boats beat out of the river trying to avoid running aground as there was very little water. Dougal Harris and Henry Castledine took an early lead in there F18 catamaran and extended it quickly. Then followed the RS800 of Luke and Emma McEwen. Behind them a small fleet of Musto Skiffs, RS700s and the RS600 were battling it out on the short two lap course. Then followed five RS400s. After the handicap had been applied, Luke and Emma McEwen came out on top beating the F18 by just 2 seconds. Ed Reeves in his RS700 finished in 3rd position followed by Liam Willis (RS600). It was Chloe Martin and Dan Martin that were the best on the night in the RS400s, taking place 5th overall.
The class 2 double hander fleet of 14 dinghies made a keen start beating down the river. About half the fleet made it round Cocked Hat before meeting the ferry, those that didn't were left with extremely little water to tack back and forth in due to the very low tide. The fleet completed 2 laps of a course to the east of the river in a light NE breeze and warm sunshine. The Tasar, helmed by Richard Russell and a small fleet of Merlin Rockets led the way. Returning to the river it was all about not going aground, centreboards and rudders were definitely raised! The breeze stayed and many crews enjoyed a spinnaker stretch over the finish line.
In Class 3 Peter Barton (RS Aero) was first home with Simon Maguire (RS Aero) and Ben George (RS Aero) 2nd and 3rd Robby Boyd (Laser) 4th, but when the Early Starters and Handicaps were applied Robby Boyd came out in 1st place with Peter Barton 2nd. Further back in the fleet the slower handicap boats were making good progress resulting in Shaun Welsh (Solo) finishing 3rd on adjusted time.
The series sponsored by Wildwind Holidays runs every Wednesday evening from Lymington Town Sailing Club. For more information contact the Sailing Secretary on 01590 674514 or e-mail .
Full series results can be found here.