Starcross Steamer 2008 at Starcross Yacht Club
by John Donovan 2 Mar 2008 21:42 GMT
2 March 2008
A total of 72 dinghies enjoyed the ideal sailing conditions at the Starcross Steamer on the beautiful Exe estuary on Sunday March 2nd. Helms had come from as far away as Staffordshire to enjoy the seventeenth running of this popular annual event.
Last year, the crews were battered by strong conditions where they struggled to keep their mast above water, this year it was a true test of sailing skill with the wind a moderate but gusty north westerly.
The first start was at 11.30, with the sole Cadet, looking forward to getting a good advantage as the wind was forecast to decrease as the race progressed. By the time the three Solos (from Salcombe YC) started at 11.59, the cadet had just completed his first lap and looking good. The biggest fleets of nine RS200s and 4 minutes later the seven Merlin Rockets started before the Solos could complete their first round. A few minutes later the RS400s and Hornets started follow by the final fleet of B14s.
The stronger wind at the start of the race helped to push the leading Merlin of Glen Truswell and Olly Turner past the Solos and Cadet who were the early leaders.
At the end of the race, after 150 minutes of sailing with the wind decreasing the leading boat of Glen and Olly crossed the finish line ahead two other Merlins of Mike and Jane Calvert, and Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh, the Solo of Peter Hammond did extremely well to stay in forth place just ahead of last years winner Andrew Pearce in his Fireball. Praise must go to the Cadet who sailed from Exmouth before the race, raced for two and a half hours, and sailed back home.
Thanks as always must go to the galley who produced vast quantities of hot food and drink for competitors and spectators, the rescue boats crew, the multihull and B14 fleets who organized and manned the event.
Overall Results:
1. Merlin Rocket 3626, Glen Truswell and Olly Turner
2. Merlin Rocket 3691, Mike and Jane Calvert
3. Merlin Rocket 3665, Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh
4. Solo 4769, Peter Hammond
5. Fireball 14820, Andrew Pearce and Chris Gill