Poole Yacht Racing Association Poole - Lymington - Poole Races
by Keith Lovett 5 Aug 2014 13:36 BST
2-3 August 2014
The PYRA fleet gather in Lymington © Keith Lovett
Saturday, 2nd August saw the PYRA fleet heading east across Poole Bay, racing into the Solent with a 20 knot South Westerly. Ian Stanbridge's Elan 40 'Amethyst' was to lead boats through Hurst, closely followed by Lis and Alan Bennett on their J109 ' Blue Jay'. With the wind dropping the fleet rounded Hampstead Ledge before a beat back to Lymington Bank against a strong flood. Tide avoidance was essential with 'Amethyst' being followed by Brain Thompson & Ivor Graham's Dehler 36 'Deity' heading North to the Lymington shore and the remainder of the fleet hugging the Island coast.
'Amethyst' was able to hold off 'Blue Jay' when they converged at what was a significant tidal gate, however Mark Brook helming the Match 35 'Haven KJ Firestarter' had made up considerable time and despite rounding in fourth was able to run into Lymington as the winner of Class One.
Following a lively night in Lymington thanks to sponsorship by architects, Morgan Carey, an 08:00 am start on Sunday saw the fleet returning East and it was the 'Amethyst' and 'Blue Jay' pair who broke away from the fleet to lead into Christchurch Bay. Giles Alden's, Sun Fast 3200 'Red Rooster' was to split away from the fleet taking the Needles Channel whist the remainder headed North of the Shingles Bank.
When the fleet converged before a windward – leeward loop in Poole Bay, 'Red Rooster' was vying for third place with 'Deity', but although the larger Elan and J109 were well ahead it was the 'Haven KJ Firestarter' that was to come through to secure third place.
Poole to Lymington:
First Class One: Match 35 - 'Haven KJ Firestarter'. Mark Brook & Keith Lovett
First Class Two: Mustang 30 – 'Addict II'. Bill Frewing
First Class Three: First 27 – 'First Escape'. Will Dennis
First Class Four: Albin Nova – 'Quadrophenia'. Clive Lawrence
Lymington to Poole:
First Class One: J109 – 'Blue Jay'. Lis & Alan Bennett
First Class Two: Mustang 30 – 'Addict II'. Bill Frewing
First Class Three: Albin Ballard – 'Shebeen'. Ken Morgan
First Class Four: Albin Nova – 'Quadrophenia'. Clive Lawrence