Copper Kettle Pursuit Race at Hamble River Sailing Club
by Jane Windsor 14 Jul 2016 14:32 BST
6 July 2016
A glorious sunny evening and 10-12kts of wind welcomed competitors in the 2016 Pursuit Race. The race team recorded wind around 240 degrees, which clocked further left to the forecast 225 and then to 220 degrees as they set the course.
With the wind forecast to drop and then die away during the race, the course was set with several loops to provide options for shortening course. Race Officer Jane Windsor was further challenged thanks to a low springs tide and a wide range of boats to cater for, ranging from the Hamble XOD fleet - which was out in force - to the large cruiser racer, Maluma.
With two car carriers expected inbound, as well as the usual ferry traffic, the course stayed to the east side of Southampton Water. It was great to see so many XODs on the start line, with close competition amongst both the XOD and the Impala fleets.
Competitors rounded Hook as the windward mark, before heading off to Reach and down to Coronation. The option for shortening was not necessary as the wind actually increased during the race.
The Finish was at Hamble Point and first home was Stuart and Ben Childerley's Palaisse, X2, followed by Mos Fittgerald's Kathleen, X124 and Keith Hughes' Nanette, X84. Aidan Barr's Cheeky Monkey, GBR 9512 led the Impalas.
After racing, some headed to watch the football, but most headed to HRSC for welcoming hot food, post racing banter and discussion of tactics and handicaps at the bar.