The Perisher returns - 16th Feb

Very good point,  i thought that's where the biggest fleet was?

The race started for the very slowest boat in next to no wind, but with the first leg down tide they at least could get away from the start and put some distance into the chasers. From then the wind picked up just a tad, enough to be powered up going upwind (in the 200 at least) but never spilling main. 

The breeze gradually swung right throughout the race. For the 200's the tactical decision on both beats was whether to get out of the tide by going left or hook up with inside of the persistent right shift on the right.  With a slackening tide it was unusually for Chichester Harbour the wind which was deciding factor and boats going right generally paid. 

For the later starters the beats had slanted and were very starboard tack heavy. Sure enough, with almost an hour still to go the Merlins came past me and off in chase of the Mirror who despite the light winds at the start had drawn out quite a lead. 

Coming into the final mark it looked like the fast approaching Merlins would take all the top spots. But the wind eased back to a drift giving the slower leading boats some extra time. Eventually most of the Merlin did come through but there was a good mix of boats throughout and yo couldn't doubt the pedigree of the sailors at the front. 

Well done to everyone and a big thank you o all the visitors who helped make it such a good event. 

See you all next year for high tea and another winter pursuit!

Yes, he gets about that guy, couldn't have been that windy, they seem to be getting an infestation of Solo's down there and who's that guy Nick Peters in a Solo, say it aint so....