Solo Eastern Travellers' Series at Hunts Sailing Club

Although the series winner was already decided, thirteen visiting helms and 11 home club members turned up at Hunts SC in Cambridgeshire. Luckily the 120 degree shift forecast for the latter part of the first race happened just after the briefing.

Bill Knights of Hunts SC made a strong start but picked up weed and dropped seven places. Mark Maskell from Blackwater SC then lead with Vince Horey of King George SC on his heels but on the third lap Ewan Birkin-Wallis of Hunts SC worked through to a lead which he held despite pressure from both Maskell brothers and from Vince Horey. The force 2 breeze, gusting 3, shifted around WNW throughout the race, keeping everyone on their toes.

During lunch steady drizzle set in, killing the breeze. Simon Maskell quickly took the lead on his home water from Ewan then Mark. The race became rather processional throughout the fleet, no-one enjoying it much except Colin Vincett of Hunts SC who made up six places in the second (and last) lap.

As the last boat finished the wind died further and backed 60 degrees to the despair of the race officer but with advice from Jarvis Simpson the start of the third race went ahead regardless. Luckily the breeze picked up slightly and returned to around WNW during the first beat. Simon Maskell took the lead and held it for the first reach but went for the wrong mark, dropping to the middle of the fleet and letting his brother, Mark through to build up a safe lead with Alan Bishop of Girton SC taking second place ahead of Jarvis Simpson.

Overall Results: