COGS - Cornwall Offshore Group Series - Race 4
by Andrew Laming 6 Jun 2016 15:42 BST
4 June 2016
The 4th race in Cornwall Offshore Group (COGS), 2016 series from Plymouth to Fowey was held in challenging light air conditions on Saturday. Hosted by Saltash Sailing Club and sponsored by Ullman, the IRC and handicap fleets started in about 5 knots of wind.
The IRC fleet got away cleanly but there was a 'pile up' on the substantial outer distance mark in the handicap fleet with a number of boats pushing up before the start. The leader of both fleets changed several times during the very tactical beat out of Plymouth Sound on an ebbing tide.
On rounding Rame head the fleet split. Some yachts went inshore in anticipation of a sea breeze while others went offshore to take advantage of positive tide. The yachts staying offshore were clearly advantaged and led the fleet in a spinnaker run through Fowey Harbour were there were several local fleets racing including the beautifully traditional Troys.
The prize-giving was held at the Royal Fowey Yacht Club where there was a great atmosphere and good food. Although there wasn't much wind, the weather was stunning and as usual all those boats attending the race from the Falmouth area had a very enjoyable 3 day weekend. Neil Chamberlain and crew sailed his boat Tai Mo Shan to first place in the handicap fleet.
Sailing two-handed, Damien and Christine Bloor in their First 36.7 Daring won in IRC. Christine commented that gybing the big spinnaker two handed in the middle of Fowey harbour was an ecclesiastical experience!
IRC results:
1st Daring
2nd Elusive
Handicap results:
1st Tai Mo Shan
2nd Aura
3rd Apotheosis
www.cogsracing.org.uk