Bembridge Redwing & One-Design Weekend Racing - 22nd & 23rd June
by Mike Samuelson 25 Jun 2024 08:53 BST
22-23 June 2024
Saturday offered perfect westerly F3 breezes from the west. Sadly the competing fishing trip as well as other events on and off the island affected numbers with only three Redwings and one One-Design reporting for duty. The fleet were happy with two 45 minute races. The only One-Design helmed by Alexander Ross racing alongside the Redwings in a combined start.
The first of the two races started at Janson rounding Derek Britten and Morton to port. After a rather muddled start with Quintessence well over and having to re round the pin end, and Ibis guest helmed by David McCue dipping from course side to make a slightly delayed start. Quintessence went to the island side of the course with the others making for the mainland. At the first mark Ibis led Rosetta helmed by James Tate followed by Quintessence bringing up the rear. The order remained unchanged to the finish
The second race followed from Janson to Britten again then Cochrane and finishing at Footprint - all marks to port. Alexander opted to return to the harbour leaving the three Redwings with a nice tight start. All selected the Island side and it was Rosetta that led Ibis with Quintessence bringing up the rear. The order remained unchanged with what looked like an easy fetch to the line requiring some last minute tacks to finish at Footprint. Rosetta held on by eight seconds to win.
Sunday's forecast was for a light breeze around midday so although there were no One-Designs, there were two Redwings keen to have a couple of short races. Starting off an inflatable just to the SW of St Helens Fort, they had a nice beat to Garland, then a run to Derrick and a beat back to the line. After a slightly dodgy start as Sea Breeze's anchor was stuck so she had to hold position on her engine, James in Rosetta was just ahead at the windward mark. At one stage it looked as if Quintessence would catch up on the run but it was not to be and Rosetta extended their lead on the beat back to the finish line. With the breeze veering, the second race had Pepe as the windward mark and Britten as the leeward one and a finish at Pepe. Quintessence lead off the line with Rosetta very narrowly reaching Pepe ahead; it was then a slow leg to Britten as the breeze started fading and with Rosetta well ahead by that time it was mutually agreed to finish close to the Tide Gauge and tow both boats back into the harbour. Rosetta won the Fortuna 1924 Cup.
Even if not in a Redwing, it was good to see the Class Hon Sec, Joe Robertson, having some family time in his Scow on Sunday afternoon.
Hopefully better numbers of boats out next weekend especially as the Victory Class from Portsmouth are spending the weekend in the Eastern Solent as part of their 90th Anniversary celebrations.