Marblehead Class Santa Dash at Birkenhead
by UKMclass 18 Dec 2016 18:51 GMT
18 December 2016
Marblehead Class Santa Dash at Birkenhead © Victoria Gibson
The 2016 Santa Dash has been taken out by returning class skipper Graham Elliott from the host club Birkenhead Radio Sailing & Power Club.
13 keen skippers arrived at the Birkenhead Radio Sailing and Power Club's Gautby Road venue to clear skies, despite a cool chill in the air. As for wind pressure.....there was very little to report. Skippers all looked to their lightest air settings using their tallest rigs and by the start time of 10.45 all were set for action, albeit at a gentle pace.
PRO Bernie McNulty and his able assistant Dave Williams had the fleet away on a simple windward/leeward course that in the faintest of wind tested the skippers concentration levels throughout the day over 5 hard fought races that averaged 40 minutes per race.
It was the skill of renowned light air specialist Graham Elliott who held his nerve to record 4 wins from 5 races racing a borrowed older generation design from a strong pack led by Manor Park's Darin Ballington in second and John Smith in third.
As in previous years events at Birkenhead for the Marblehead class, skippers enjoyed the light hearted spirit of the day with not a protest in sight nor an unhappy skipper after welcome mince pies, shortbread and chocolate brownies did the rounds over lunch.
With trophies awarded and the race team roundly thanked, skippers reflected on what has been a full year of great racing for the Marblehead class hear in the UK.
Looking forward now to 2017, our calendar is in place which promises another good season of open ranking races throughout the country. Undoubtedly, the highlight will be the National Championship to be held at the spiritual UK home of the class, Fleetwood's Marine Lake on the Lancashire coast where an entry of around 50 boats is expected from top local and International skippers for the 3 day event set down for early July.
The UK Marblehead Class would like to wish all skippers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2017.
Be sure to check the UK M Class website for all of the coming seasons updates and news, including information on the formation of our International class Association at marbleheadsailing.wordpress.com