The Bartley Beast finally gets racing
by Chris Martin 27 Feb 06:32 GMT
15 February 2025
With rounds one, two and three of the Beast series having already succumbed to the weather this year, it was pleasing to see a reasonable breeze for the long awaited opening round, although judging by the acrobatics in the gents changing rooms it was to be as much a competition of how many layers you could get under your drysuit and still move as it was to be about the sailing!
Race one was for doublehanders, as it tuned out more or less a Merlin Rocket open meeting with a couple of guests. Charlie Chandler and Owen in the 505 clearly misread the invitation, facing the wrong way on port as the start gun sounded and doing turns immediately afterwards. You'd think that this would be something of a disadvantage, but they pulled though the Merlins and still managed to win the race on corrected time with Rich Adams and George Bender second and Caroline Whitehouse with daughter Sophie in third.
Straight into the singlehanded race, this was a larger fleet but the start was still clean if a little busy at the committee boat. Samuel Bailey's recently acquired Solo emerged at the top on corrected time followed by the Supernova of Mike Gibson and the K1 of Jeremy Shinton.
Again the race length allowed a fast turnaround and we were straight into the doublehanders. This time there were no wayward 505s and the start was clean. The course was slightly tweaked to try to open up the reaches a little, but the wind had dropped slightly. This time the RS200 of the mother and daughter team of Caroline and Sophie took the win with Charlie and Owen second and Rich and George third.
Again the start/finish line was recycled and we were off with the singlehanders. Another clean start, but again the wind was dying and the fleet remained condensed. Samuel's Solo was again in front on corrected time, despite complaints that due to the cold he couldn't grip properly. Jeremy's K1 was second and Mike's Supernova third.
Thanks to everyone who made the day happen, and thanks to Allen Brothers for their sponsorship!
The next Beast takes place on the 8th March.