Noble Marine Comet Trio Nationals at Exe Sailing Club - Day 1
by Tracie Padro 21 Jul 2018 21:38 BST
20-22 July 2018
Noble Marine Comet Trio Nationals at Exe day 1 © Kathy Mcaffrey-Talbot
Well where do I begin... Caroline McAusland gave a warm welcome to a fleet of 24 Comet Trios, 13 Classic Rig and 11 New Rig. We arrived to 24 degrees of sunshine and light 5mph wind speed.
Race 1
Ten minutes prior to the start gun the wind filled in from the south increasing to a nice 10mph wind speed.
With the course reset to a triangle, sausage, triangle, the fleet set off with those at the Pin end having a good advantage. Steve/Martin lead round the first mark, closely followed by Bob/Collette, Andrew/Caroline, Ade/Tracie, Darren/Callem and just behind were first Classic rig David/Charlie.
At the next beat taking full advantage of his new secret red bobble kicker gauge, Bob overtook Steve much to his chagrin and went on to lead and win the race. Followed by Ade/Tracie, Andrew/Caroline, Steve/Martin, Darren/Callem. A closely fought battle ensued in the Classic rig. 1st were Symon/Veronique, followed by David/Charlie, Richard/Carol,Sam/Chris, Mike/Crew.
Now the fleet are intrigued about Bob's bobble!
Race 2
Same course wind and waves increasing. Pin end again was favoured however Darren/Callem, Steve/ Martin were a bit too keen and were OCS and had to return to the start. Bob/Collette lead the fleet round only to slip up on the long run down when they realised they were heading towards the wrong mark, this allowed Ade/Tracie to slip though and take the win, followed by Bob/Collette, Guy/Graham, Andrew/Caroline, Darren/Callem. The 1st Classic rig David/Charlie, Richard/Carol, Symon/Veronique, John/Matthew, Tim/Louis, Mike/Crew.
Overnight leaders on equal points Ade/Tracie with Bob/Collette. Classic rig David/Charlie leading, closely followed by Symon/Veronique.
The fleet were greeted back on shore with a lovely afternoon tea, and were last seen heading off to the evening BBQ and a couple of cheeky beers and wine. With several crews keen to take a peek under the covers at Bob's bobble!