Dauntless Boatyard Leigh-on-Sea Brass Monkey Race
by John Charles 20 Dec 2009 19:07 GMT
20 December 2009
A snowy start for the Dauntless Boatyard Leigh-on-Sea Brass Monkey Race © LOSSC
The Dauntless Boatyard Leigh-on-Sea SC Brass Monkey race took place on December 20th in a chilly 15 knot WNW wind. With temperatures not rising above 0C, wind chill was tough on any exposed body region and other extremities. After six inches of snow, roads and paths had a two inch covering of ice, making it a challenge to even walk to the boats or start-hut.
After a slight delay to set the course and wait for boats sailing up river from Thorpe Bay YC, the race got away with a running start. The Tornado of Kyle Stoneham and Peter Thompson sped off the offshore end of the line to get to the leeward mark first. Dan Henderson in a Musto Skiff was not however too far behind.
A long beat suited the trapeze boats with the Stoneham’s Tornado flying up to the windward mark laid off the Essex YC club minesweeper. Behind the two leaders, there was closer racing between the ISO of Ian Keam-George, RS600s and the Contender of Chris Boshier.
After the forestay failed on the ISO, the RS600s of John Charles & Mike Iszatt led Boshier, but not by enough to hold their time. Dan Henderson continued to show spectacular downwind speed to win overall on handicap.
Hot mince pies and mulled wine welcomed the somewhat frozen competitors back into the club.
Overall Results:
1st MPS, Daniel Henderson (Thorpe Bay YC)
2nd Tornado, Kyle Stoneham & Peter Thompson (TBYC)
3rd Contender, Chris Boshier (TBYC)
4th RS600, John Charles (LSC)
5th RS600, Mike Iszatt (Fishers Green SC)
6th RS400, Colin Walker & Nick Range (LSC)