Please select your home edition
Edition
Crewsaver 2021 Safetyline LEADERBOARD
Product Feature
Harken 40mm T2 - 2149
Harken 40mm T2 - 2149

Solent Super Series - Round 3 Yarmouth

by Mark Angell 12 Nov 2024 16:57 GMT 9-10 November 2024
Solent Super Series Round 3 Yarmouth © FourthCape

The Solent Super Series™ is getting a bit of a reputation - third round and third weekend of sub 6 knot winds, fortunately a light wind 'nowcast' doesn't deter either the race committee or the competitors from taking on the challenge that light air sailing brings.

Race 1 of the Round got under way on Saturday after a short delay, the start line set between a robotic MarkSetBot and fixed Solent mark 3S TeamO sending the fleet racing downwind to the East, before turning back against the tide and beating westward. The first leg provided some great racing all be it in slow motion and included the traditional Solent hazard of a ship passing through the fleet. After an hour and a half, with only the first mark rounded, and the flood tide showing no signs of easing (just yet) the decision was made to abandon racing and move the fleet West in search of breeze, allowing the flood to ease and the ebb tide to get under way.

The Fleet repositioned to Hampstead Ledge for a 5nm triangle course to be raced, finishing just off Yarmouth Harbour, once again a line set up with the robotic MarkSetBot and a fixed Solent Mark - the Bot impressively holding station in the strong ebb tide of around 2.5 knots. Now experienced in starting races in 5 kts of wind, the fleet got under way and were rewarded with some great racing before Kestrel emerged as the winner, finishing as dusk started to fall, while the back markers finished under nav lights in the dark at 17:08, that's winter racing for you!

With all boats safely into Yarmouth Harbour, competitors enjoyed welcome drinks supported by Unity Sailing (thanks guys), hosted at The George Hotel with teams discussing the day's action and studying their drifting and racing tracks on the bar's TV screen. The GeoRacing mobile phone tracking the Series is using allows for a review of each key point, some of which were enthusiastically reviewed especially after a few drinks.

In keeping with the Super Series tradition, the welcome drinks gave way to Saturday night's social & and a short prize-giving for the previous round. This round's all-competitors dinner was hosted at Salty's Pizzeria a firm Yarmouth favourite, where Kestrel was awarded the Round 2 prize. Those with some energy left in the tank, were able to enjoy some drinks and dancing on tables before retiring to their boats and some well-earned sleep.

Even the blurriest eyed on Sunday morning could see that reality was close to forecast and after rolling up sleeping bags, and grabbing some breakfast, the fleet followed the race team onboard the Cowes United committee boat out for another race start in under 6kts of wind start. Race Officer Rich Palmer electing for a downwind start getting the fleet away from the Island shore saw a split in the fleet, with three boats opting to sail the long leg on port first making good gains and rounded the mark off Lymington 11 minutes ahead of the boats that had opted for the other side of the leg. The wind held direction for a beat back across the tide to Yarmouth, where the fun really started, a long downwind zig zag course taking the teams back to the central Solent. The 11-minute deficit fleet included the Sun Fast 3300 Kestrel, by now had drawn level with the fleet again, after 90 minutes of racing, only to be swept the wrong side of a mark and having to beat back to get round. The Sun Fast 3200 Full Circle found their own personal line of breeze and sailed around the other boats to take the lead on the water and build a 10 minute lead only to be overhauled by Lord of the Dance having a better mark rounding and holding their asymmetric spinnaker for the tight leg, however, in the final hour of racing the last 4 legs provided opportunity, with Kestrel making an unbelievable recovery. Not quite being able to catch up Lord of the Dance on the water who crossed the finish line for a well-earned line honours followed 50 seconds later by Kestrel who were audibly jubilant as they crossed the line making up their second deficit of the day to win the race on IRC handicap by just 11 seconds.

The GeoRacing tracking captured, well, one of the wackiest races of the season, and can be replayed here - Race 2: fourthcape.com/solentss/round-3-yarmouth

Kestrel posted two race wins, handing them the Round (imitating their Round 2 win) Lord of the Dance second and JPK1030 Insert Coin completing the Round 3 - Yarmouth podium. 3 Rounds are now complete, it's down to fourth and final round (Hamble) to decide who will win the 2024 Solent Super Series.

Related Articles

Torbay Royal Regatta 2025
Fierce competition as Tor Bay delivers champagne conditions Teams from across the country converged on the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, hosts of the latest edition of Torbay Royal Regatta, for three days of intense racing and socialising over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Posted on 8 Sep
Rolex Middle Sea Race passion and performance
The very definition of great offshore sailing The Rolex Middle Sea Race stands as one of the world's most captivating offshore challenges. Now in its 46th edition, which starts on Saturday, 18 October, the 606-nm circumnavigation of Sicily continues to attract sailors from across the globe. Posted on 3 Sep
From vision to reality
The XR 41's journey from sketch to World Champion In 2023 I took part in my first X-Yachts Gold Cup at Aarhus in Denmark. It was a glorious event, balancing fun and competition perfectly, and was a weekend where new friendships were formed with sailors who I continue to chat with regularly. Posted on 2 Sep
Burnham Week 2025 Trophy Day
Slingshot wins the Town Cup while Darren Sewell wins the Dinghy Town Cup Nicholas Plank, Slingshot, wins the 2025 edition of the Town Cup, part of Burnham Week 2025, in perfect sailing conditions. Posted on 31 Aug
The perfect launchpad for RORC Transatlantic Race
Since 2014, Marina Lanzarote has consistently welcomed the fleet as the chosen departure point The RORC Transatlantic Race in association with the International Maxi Association and Yacht Club de France, will start from Marina Lanzarote on 11th January 2026. Posted on 31 Aug
Abersoch Keelboat Week 2025
In memory of Peter Driver, a great supporter of Pwllheli and the Abersoch sailing clubs In memory of Peter Driver who sadly died on Sunday 17th August whilst swimming from his boat Crud Yr Awel. Peter was a great supporter of Pwllheli and the Abersoch sailing clubs and will be very sadly missed by all. Posted on 30 Aug
Dartmouth Sailing Week 2025 Video Highlights
Spectacular sailing for the yachts and dayboats Spectacular sailing for the yachts and dayboats over three days, with the final day called off due to high winds. Posted on 30 Aug
Citco Round Jersey Race 2025
An all-time record of forty-one entries The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club's annual Round Jersey race, the third to be run under leading fund management company Citco's banner, held on Sunday, 17th August saw an all-time record of forty-one entries. Posted on 29 Aug
Burnham Week 2025 Day 6
Sunshine and strong winds made the fleets muster all their technical skills Sunshine and strong winds made the fleets muster all their technical skills on the 6th day of Burnham Week 2025. Posted on 29 Aug
44th Hamble Winter Series Entries Open
Racing starts on the weekend of 4th & 5th October Entries are now open for the 44th Hamble Winter Series. This annual event, which has something for everyone, will start on the weekend of 4th & 5th October 2025. Posted on 28 Aug