Merlin Rocket Salcombe Week - Day 3
by Tim Fells 11 Jul 2012 08:48 BST
8-13 July 2012
Tuesday at Salcombe dawned with grey skies, a hint of rain but with 10-12 knots of WSW wind.
Day 3 Morning – Green versus Blue flights
The morning race pitted 5 of the top 7 boats overall against each other. With the last of the flood tide holding the fleet back from the line it was Dave Winder/Pippa Taylor who were quick witted enough to sheet in early and get the perfect start with most of the fleet well line shy.
Playing the shifts up past Mill Bay Dave/Pippa established a lead that was never to be challenged as they extended away on the tour of the harbour (1,4,1,8,6,5,7 for those in the know).
Second for a while were the Dalby sisters in General Lee but they were swallowed by the pack on the run to Yalton. Emerging into second place were Tim Fells/Chris Downham who managed to keep the close attentions of Willie Warren/Sophie Mackley at bay all the way to the line. Overnight leaders Tom Stewart/Steve Hall managed to claw their way through to fourth after a start line tangle.
Day 3 Afternoon – Red versus Black flights
By the start of the afternoon race the sun was out and there were some fruity gusts coming down the harbour. The PRO set a course with a couple of windward leeward’s through the town to keep the spectators amused. Amongst many capsizes, the boat handling of the top crews was impressive and the explosion, when Ollie Turner’s mast kit-formed in front of the club, was truly memorable!
Fast out of the blocks on the third attempted start were Jon Gorringe/Toby Lewis who, like Dave and Pippa in the morning race, sailed an untroubled race, extending all the way to win by a big margin. As one of the pre-event favourites they will be eyeing the forecast of increasing breeze with big smiles.
Behind Jon and Toby there was a ding dong battle involving Mike Calvert/Ian Garwood, Taxi/Ellie Bremmer, Simon Blake/Alex Jackson and Matt Biggs/Ben Hollis that was ultimately resolved in that finishing order.
Overall this is proving a very open and competitive week with no one yet stamping their authority on the event. So far the six races have produced six different race winners.
Overnight leaders by dint of consistency are Tim Fells/Chris Downham counting 2,3,2 for 7 points. Dave Winder/Pippa Taylor and Mike Calvert/Ian Garwood are tied for second, one point back each having a 1,2,5 scoreline. Tom Stewart/Steve Hall are a further 0.5 points behind on 8.5 points with Taxi/Eliie on 9 points.
Results so far