Salcombe Yacht Club Autumn Series - Race 1
by David Greening 4 Sep 2016 14:27 BST
3 September 2016
As the black Range Rovers vacated the town, business returned to normal for the Salcombe Yacht Club Autumn Series.
Forecasts of a South Westerly breeze in the mid 20's and gusts up to 40 mph put off a number of sailors, but a hardy few braved the conditions, under the watchful eyes of Race Officer Chris Cleaves, who provided sailors with an air of confidence by not flying the lifejacket flag.
George Alexander and Ruari McColl did well to win the Medium Handicap fleet, somewhat aided to them being the only boat to start at the correct time... Charlie and Torrin Blazeby starting incorrectly in their Laser Radials got around the course but did not receive the finishers bell.
In the Fast Handicap the Cranford Smiths continued their winning ways, ahead of Alistair Morley and Dan Bridger who had a big capsize while flying off the waves downwind in front of the Clubhouse.
Full marks should go to Ben Meek for getting his RS Tera around the course and winning the Cadet Handicap race in very challenging conditions.
The most numerous class was the Solos, with Bruce Hattersley leading off the line. David Greening worked through to take the lead at Blackstone only to succumb to a large Southerly gust as he took the early gybe, allowing Bruce and Simon Dobson to plane past. He was not alone as Ed Stephens also was seen on an upturned hull. Bruce carried on to win the race, only to capsize upon finishing.
Day 1 Results:
Cadet Handicap
1st RS Tera Sport 1881, Ben Meek
Medium Handicap
1st RS Feva XL, George Alexander and Ruari McColl
Fast Handicap
1st Merlin Rocket 3769, Graham and Fiona Cranford Smith
2nd Phantom 1357, Alistair Morley
3rd RS Aero 1752, Dan Bridger
Solo
1st 5453, Bruce Hattersley
2nd 5313, Simon Dobson
3rd 5617, David Greening