2000 class Latitude Series event 3 at the Filey Regatta 2024

The third event in this year's Latitude Series (sponsored by Lakes Mortgages) was hosted by Filey Sailing Club as part of their annual regatta on 13-14 July 2024. This is the second year we have visited Filey and it was great to welcome some new faces including Scarborough Sea Cadets as well as good friends.

With nine entries, the 2000 class secured its own start and joined the RS400 and RS200 classes on a windward-leeward course. Compared to last year, which saw sunshine and champagne sailing, the weather this year was wet with a strong, gusty north-east breeze which had built up a significant swell - the waves breaking on the Brigg gave an indication of sporty conditions further out.

Just after high tide, our fleet of seven boats launched; once out into the bay, conditions were tough with big seas and strong winds which needed both crew and helm focussed to keep boats flat and avoid the inevitable capsize or, in the case of one helm, being tipped out while the crew sailed on regardless.

Race 1 saw a the fleet split with four boats heading left taking the benefit of the calmer waters; those that chose to head out to sea had a tougher time with all suffering a capsize. The lead changed several times as Alistair Rose (Killington SA) and Helen Fox (West Riding SC) took the lead from Trevor Bradley and Merrin Froggett (Thornton Steward SC). Visibility was variable as the rain drove in, further adding to the challenging conditions.

In the second race, the majority of the fleet initially headed left but those that then went right found that the breeze was stronger and more consistent; further, the waves lifted them towards the windward mark, provided that they could keep flat and maintain boat speed. As the wind increased, the downwind reaches were exhilarating with a number of spectacular capsizes towards the gybe mark and on the final leg to the finish line. Although Alistair and Helen kept their lead, the West Riding Boats took second (Alistair Banks and Harry Fox) and third place (Oliver and Elliott Thompson).

Race 3 saw an extremely close start where Mike McEwing (RAFSA) and Julia Martland were millimetres ahead of Nick Neve and Tom Wiggins (Rutland SC) and pointing higher than Oliver and Elliott Thompson at the gun. A capsize at the windward mark was enough to stop Mike and Julia capitalising on their start. The West Riding Boats gained a 1-2 finish, with Alistair Rose and Helen in third place. In a remarkable show of consistency, Nick Neve and Tom Wiggins took 4th place in each race - this being Nick's first 2000 class event.

After a welcome meal and social, most competitors headed for an early night. On Sunday, the combination of stronger winds, increased sea-state and breaking waves on the beach were considered unsuitable for a Latitude event and therefore the Saturday results would stand.

On reflection those boats that used a 40 litre mast head float found that capsizes could be recovered without the threat of inversion, loss of time and hard work, proving again that mast head floats are not just for beginners!

Congratulations to Alistair Rose and Helen Fox on their well-deserved win. An honourable mention to the Scarborough Sea Cadets who just kept going and smiling throughout - we'd love to see you at another Latitude Event!

Don't forget to speak to Phil and Nicola at Lakes Mortgages if you are seeking a mortgage or re-mortgage!

Overall Results: