Bart's Bash and Early Autumn Series Race 1 at Liverpool Yacht Club

Light winds but plenty of sunshine for the Bart's Bash race in Liverpool © Andrew Napper

A marvellous fleet turned out in Liverpool to support the Bart's Bash event and kick off the much coveted Early Autumn Series. Hot on the heels of a tremendous 24 hour race campaign, the lub was in a buoyant mood, which could be felt throughout the fleet and later at the results presentation. The fickle, or should I say, none existent wind, must have conspired to leave at least someone agonised and disappointed, but it certainly didn't show in the bar post race.

How does the saying go...? "If Carlseberg were to make yacht racing days, it would be just like this"?... Well no! Certainly it had the sun, the boats and the competition, but it didn't have the wind. Let's just say it was a Coors Light day. It was the right colour, but lacked the fundamental ingredient.

This did not put the 17 strong fleet off and after a brief sun bathe, they were ready to go.

As the starting clock diminished, there was a definite pattern emerging, which was not necessarily concerned with the start line. Rather, the congregation was centred around a conical patch of wind on the water fifty yards North of the line. Many boats and a small smattering of wind, always meant that someone was going to be left without.

Worthy of note were the starts made by Clarevouyant and Tango. Old School boys Warwick and Richard C, elected to camp out in front of the ticket office by anchoring 10 metres off the start. When the doors opened, it was Clarvouyant first across the threshold but Tango had timed their charge to perfection, crossing majestically at full speed and full spinnaker, quickly taking the lead.

Unfortunately, for Tango, the lead was a matter of opinion as the approach to the first mark of the course (E2) spread the fleet across the river. No one would be "first" until the mark was rounded. The leaders elect drifted too far south and, like the race officer, delved their heads in to their hands. "Who's idea was it to cross the river"?

Before E2 was rounded, the spoils could have gone to anyone of 15. Rebellion, held all the cards on the right hand side of the fleet, and it was only a matter of time before they were able to flop down to the fulcrum. Patches of breeze were visible heading up river from the North, but seldom did they persevere and reach the fleet.

After a fairly sheltered start, Di-rich had covered all the bases, on the right side of the buoy and were well set to take advantage of any little puffs from that side. Eazi Tiger laid anchor so as not to loose any more ground to the South. Agonisingly, Kerageous and Ulula ran out of drive mere metres from their goal, whilst the grey men in the affair, Daydream Believer and Joyrider had worked their way out of the doldrums and into pouncing position.

On station at the race office spirits were lifted when Skukusa could be seen to force it's way through a jibe, the longed for sign that somebody was able to lay the mark. Skukusa first then Legless, Di-Rich, Rebellion and Eazi Tiger (not necessarily in that order) sped round the mark, at breakneck speed (seemingly), letting the OD off the hook.

The fleet was now split into two distinct sections, the battle for E2 was still raging and the chess board reset for those that were on the new leg to G5. Grand masters Eazi Tiger and Rebellion worked their way across the board, dodging the mirror coloured squares, picking their way through Skukusa and Legless Again, only to have them gain territory back on the run in to what would now be the ultimate mark of the course.

E2 was still making and breaking hearts. Bada Bing scooted in under spinnaker, only to fall slightly shy and have to switch to whites to navigate the depths of the Eastham channel before getting a chance to round. Joyrider with it's newly found height made their rounding with a calm and collected elegance that has become their trade mark. Whilst Clarevouyant, who most had presumed missing in action, were looking back at the action.

The crew of Diva had been split across themselves and new arrival Trajan, both boats showed tremendous resolve to get round and not give up the ghost.

This sport never ceases to amaze. How could such a calm day produce a finish of such dramatic proportions? Well it could and it did.

Never to have any situation get the better of them, Eazi tiger solved the puzzle first. Rebellion crossing second, set down the marker for Class 2. Third on the water was the nascent Legless Again. What followed was finishers all in tight clusters, seconds between them. Probably the most breathtaking being Di-Rich in it's own private wind system hunting down Ulula IV. However, there was not quite enough race course left for them and ultimately they were two seconds shy of the water finish, but they took the big chocolate with a minute and half to spare from Rebellion.

Unfortunately for Bataleur, the tide had turned before they could reach G5, but it was not an easy challenge by any stretch of the imagination. Well done to all those who took part and got round. A fantastic day on the Mersey.

Overall Results: