Bart's Bash at Portchester Yacht Club
by Alex Powell 2 Oct 2014 08:44 BST
21 September 2014
An excellent 53 boats signed up for Barts Bash, although unfortunately on the day some people were put off by the forecast and the numbers dropped to a still respectable 33 dinghies and cruisers. The event was combined with Hardway sailing and PSC was pleased to see a good turnout of visitors.
As the boats gathered the wind had eased to a manageable force 3-4 giving many a false sense of security. The line was split between dinghies and cruisers with a downwind start making life tricky for the racers.
As the boats lined up near the start line the wind increased significantly to a good force 5 but a relatively clean start was had by all. The fast plaining dinghies hoisted their spinnakers and shot away whilst the rest of the fleet struggled to make any gains as each boat slowed the other from behind.
With the increased wind, combined with rough/disturbed water, many of the junior sailors struggled and there were numerous capsizes, particularly Andrew Shrimpton in his Laser who managed an impressive 17 capsizes, all of which kept the rescue boat crews busy.
Special mention should go to Brian Beavis and Louise Wells, who whilst leading the race, saw a junior in trouble and went to their aid until a rescue boat arrived, effectively forfeiting their race.
At the top of the harbour the leading boats readied themselves for a gybe at the first mark. The RS400 of Chris Cook and Wayne Durrant attempted a tight rounding but capsized and turtled, just in time of the main fleet of boats to try and round. Chris and Wayne joked afterwards about watching a mass of huge cruisers and dinghies all charging downwind towards them, it must have been a worrying time!
22 boats finished the course, and the remaining retired boats made it back safely with no injuries. Everyone came back with big smiles and gathered in the club house for a well deserved drive and prize giving.
1st place went to Alex Powell sailing his Solo, 2nd place to Ivan Burden in his RS400, and 3rd went to the Quartet, Pink Lime from Hardway.
A big thank you to Eve Burden and race team for organising a fantastic event.
www.bartsbash.co.uk