Squib South Coast Championship 2023 at Royal Victoria Yacht Club

Hosted by RVYC, the number of entries for this year's Squib South Coast Championships was a bit disappointing, however those that did race enjoyed the challenge of racing in light airs with the Wightlink Car Ferries and groups of PWCs never far away!

Saturday's forecast was for very light airs and certainly mid-morning the chances of getting any racing completed was looking very doubtful; indeed with the AP displayed on the Club Flag Pole (no start within an hour of it being removed), a number went off water skiing or for a walk. However after postponing for nearly 3 hours, a F2, 5 to 8 knot East North Easterly breeze settled in and the first of the three windward/leeward races got under way.

Start of Race 1 on Saturday

After a good start, the fleet soon split tacks; as it turned out there was little in it and the front three, led by Lee Deck (15), helmed by Martin Harrison, rounded close together. On the slow run to the leeward inflatable, Surprise (760) helmed by Duncan Grindley moved into the lead and held it to the finish after two rounds. Martin was second and Aquabat (13) helmed by Dan Henderson was third.

Leeward Mark rounding during Race 1

The only change for the second race was that it was three times round. After an interesting start with quite a bit of bumping and boring at the Committee boat end of the line, the only boat called OCS at the start was the winner of the first race, Surprise (760). Having missed the first race, Aldebaran (153) helmed by Iain Jones did some notable catching up having been well behind the rest of the fleet starting.

Start of Race 2 on Saturday

Although not exactly exhilarating racing in the light airs, it was certainly quite exciting particularly rounding the leeward mark.

Leeward Mark rounding during Race 2 (1st round)

Leeward Mark rounding Race 2 (2nd round)

With split tacks and boats spread left and right on the runs, it was David Lloyd in Seven (111) who developed a healthy lead ahead of Aquabat (13) and Charlie White in Kestrel (835). Having reviewed a photo snipped from the second video clip on Sunday morning, Aquabat (13) advised that they were retrospectively retiring from the race as they had not appreciated at the time that they had hit the leeward mark. This moved Martin Harrison helming Lee Deck (15) to third.

Squib South Coast Championships 2023 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Having quickly re-set the windward marks to provide a truer beat after the breeze backed 10 to 15 degrees, the start of the third and final race of the day was another good one.

Start of Race 3 on Saturday

With the breeze beginning to drop off, the ROs sensibly went for a two round race. As in the previous races, boats split tacks. Aided by the tide, the windward leg was quicker than the run to the leeward mark even though most were able to keep their spinnakers filled. Aquabat (13) developed a substantial lead ahead of Seven (111) and Buccaneer (20) helmed by Emma Prime. Fortunately everyone managed to finish as the breeze died and they were very grateful for a tow back to their moorings.

Squib South Coast Championships 2023 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Sunday's forecast looked more promising, however frustratingly it failed to deliver and despite best efforts, it was only possible to get two rather than the three planned races completed. Indeed after a couple of earlier attempts that had to be AP'd as the breeze veered and backed in the light rain and sultry conditions, it was almost one o'clock before the first race of the day was eventually able to get away.

Start of Race 4 on Sunday

It was twice round a relatively short course intentionally set in case the breeze died; As in all the previous races, the fleet split tacks with those going inshore in the hopes of finding less tide coming off best. Aquabat (13) carried on her winning streak and was well ahead rounding the windward inflatable; a lead they managed to maintain for the rest of the race. Seven (111) was second and Kestrel (835) was third. Lower down the fleet there were a number of very close finishes with less than a second separating some groups.

Rounding the leeward mark Round 1

After another frustrating session of re-laying the marks as the Race Officers tried their hardest to set a fair course for what was clearly going to be the fifth and final race of the Championships. The first beat worked ok, but with the fleet spread from front to back by more than 5 minutes, a course change when the breeze went even further right to provide a beat on the second and third rounds was simply not possible, so it was a bit of a reaching procession. That said, the finish line was moved to provide a final beat and although it probably made little difference, it certainly made the Race Officers feel better!

Squib South Coast Championships 2023 - photo © Mike Samuelson

As always a great vote of thanks to the Race Officers, Mark Layers and volunteer helpers both ashore and afloat.

Additional Photos at flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUdhr

Overall Results: