Gul Winter Series at Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club

Another highest turnout on week 5 of the Gul Winter Series at Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club © Nikki Buckler

Another highest turnout on week 5 of the Gul Winter Series at Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club © Nikki Buckler

Saturday 28th December saw the 5th round in the 8 date series which also saw a series high so far with 36 boats on the water. News of the series seems to be spreading with more entries being received proving there is a growing support for this successful series.

Fast Handicap Fleet

A bright and light Saturday morning greets 12 fast handicap crews to race 9 of the Gul Winter series in Plymouth Sound. 12 soon turned to 13 when Daniel Holman appeared in his futuristic windsurf style rigged monohull, “punk 1”, and asked if he could play with the “big boys?” If only we had known how quick this boat was we may have had second thoughts. In both light and rising wind conditions Daniel showed the way to all comers on 2 differing courses. This is not the time to re-ignite the debate on “bandit” handicaps! Welcome to the fleet Daniel. Race officer had set a vaguely “L” shaped course to give some windward leeward and some reaching and all enjoyed the slowly building F2 breeze from the southwest. All crews started cleanly and the pattern soon settled down. With not enough wind for the trapeze boats the punk, Phantom and Tasar had ideal conditions and this proved to be the 1,2 and 3.

Race 10 and a change to a new course for the increasing wind and changed direction, more southerly. Again a clean reaching start for all, but a major brain fade on the Phantom saw him at the wrong 1st mark some 50 yards to leeward of the correct one, must pay more attention next time. With a relatively short beat and 2 good reaches all enjoyed fast sailing in the now steady breeze. A few crews tested the water temperature but most finished in good order. The punk was again at the fore, followed this time by Conrad in the Hobie Tiger, 7 laps sailed to all others 5. Then came the very consistent Tasar of Pete and Charlotte followed by Rod and Sharon’s B14.

A great morning’s sailing for all and with the overall results getting closer and closer there is stall all to play for. Let's see you all for races 11 and 12 on March 14th.

Slow Handicap Fleet

With 22 boats trying to get the favoured pin end of the start line for race 9 of the series it was a little bit hectic for all concerned but everyone got away with a clean start on the short reach to the first mark where there was more entertainment for the onlookers as the boats jostled for best position to round the mark. From here there was a beat to the windward mark which saw the lead boat round the mark the wrong way ?. Luckily they were soon advised of the error of their ways & re rounded the mark the correct way with some ground to make up. Liam Arrowsmith & Catherine Hough were also sailing well in their laser radials leading most of the fleet with the Firefly’s a little too close for comfort. However it was another newcomer Rob Lloyd in his topper that managed to win the race on handicap to win by just 11 seconds ahead of the Firefly’s from Plymouth University which took second & third place in race 9.

The second race of the day saw a revised course which gave a wider spread across the start line with Sarah Kennedy revelling in the windier conditions to extend her lead on the rest of the boats in the fleets as the race progressed. Rob Lloyd showed the fleet the way in his topper to claim a second place to make a very successful start to his series. The windier conditions seemed to favour Liam Arrowsmith who was able to pull way from the Firefly’s to claim a well deserved third place.

With three more dates & six races there is all to sail for with positions close throughout the fleet. The series has attracted sailors from as young as 12 up to 62 with good spirited racing taking place throughout the fleet.

The next race is on the 14th March with the start at 10:00am – boats are welcome to race on the day – the more the merrier – come & join the fun!

Fast Handicap Results after Week 5: (10 races, 2 discards)

Slow Handicap Results after Week 5: (10 races, 2 discards)