Annual Lady Helm Race at Scarborough Yacht Club
by Chris Clark 15 Jul 2019 14:57 BST
13 July 2019
Lady Helm Race at Scarborough © SYC
Every year, one club race is given over to the popular exclusively women helms to attract greater diversity to the sport. Previously the Yacht Club had taken part in an Inspiring Youth initiative. Today's race attracted ten entries.
Good race speeds, helped by a perfect offshore North-West-ish breeze, the 'pursuit' handicap format, and only a couple of faux pas meant that shortly after the start most of the boats sailed fairly close together.
Turning points in the single circuit race were efficiently executed, jibes managed smartly, and speeds of 7-10 knots were recorded.
The wind didn't prove difficult until the very end, where to cross the finish line meant sailing very close to the eye of wind to get through the two finish markers, causing an exciting scrap for first place between Midnight Express and Vado, and leaving other boats a late steerage challenge.
Winners were Midnight Express IV helmed by Jan Stallard, followed very closely by Vado, with Kassy and Revenge competing as a duo for third and fourth place.
The local SYC Handicap was used, with a 34 minute handicap for the fastest boat. There was one disqualification.
Results:
1st - Midnight Express IV, owned by Martin and Jan Stallard, helmed by Jan Stallard
2nd - Vado, owned by Steve and Win Russel, helmed by Sue Bramley
3rd - Kassy, owned by Holder, Williamson, Hutchinson, helmed by Julie Waites
4th - Revenge, owned by Alan Smith & Steve Martin, helmed by Jane Butterworth
Thus was a most graceful race of the year concluded. Well done to all the participants particularly Midnight Express and Jan.