Scarborough Yacht Club Autumn Series - Race 7
by Chris Clark 27 Dec 2019 19:55 GMT
22 December 2019
Takaza overtaking Little Jeannie during Scarborough Yacht Club Autumn Series Race 7 © Chris Clark
As skippers and sailing crews assembled for the last race of the year, the overcast slightly drizzling, and windless conditions gave rise to the thought, "Oh no, not another cancellation". But having had several races abandoned in recent weeks, there was a real desire to make something of it, so an excellent 13-yacht turnout sailed to the start point in the flat calm.
Thankfully, the weather changed almost in a flash, the clouds broke up, a weak wintry sun shone through lighting up the town with a subdued incandescence, and an inconsistent and directionless breeze flowed. At the yachts sailed away from the staggered start on the short Course 'L', buoys 3 (North of the harbour, 5 (Circuit centre), and 8 (adjacent Grand Hotel) over two laps, some were heeling and making good way, others almost becalmed, drifting in the southerly current. Short minutes later the picture would reverse, sails filling, 'beware of swinging boom' orders issued, and speeds rising to 7 - 9 knots. One thing it takes a new crew member time to appreciate is how fast things can go awry at sea, and a sailor can never drop their guard.
There were no retirements, all vessels returned safely, and apart from the chilly weather and frozen fingers, the feeling was universally one of satisfaction.
Top billings go to IRC Class racers Bee Sharp 1st and Vision 2nd, but with Vision, (who readers may remember was the only vessel to complete a wind-free race several weeks ago) the masters of racing in the lightest airs, winning the Autumn race series in style.
Race 7 Results:
IRC
1. Bee Sharp, a Sonata, owned by Jimmy Cliff
2. Vision, 2nd and overall Race 7 series winner, an SJ 329 owned by Jon Livesey
3. Kassy, a Hydro owned by Holder, Williamson, Hutchinson
707
1. Black Sheep, a Hunter 707, owned by Steve Parker & Tom Clark
2. A Grand Day Out, a Hunter 707, owned by Steve Bramham & Richard Littlewood
3. Miss Moneypenny, a Hunter 707, owned by The 707 Class Association, sailed by the Robin Gray Family
SYC
1. Dash, a Sadler 34 deep keel owned by Martin Donnelly
2. Takaza, an ETAP 28I, owned by Kevin Chatt
3. Little Jeannie, a Van de Stadt Vita owned by Kelvin Robertson