Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series at Royal Anglesey Yacht Club - Race 3

Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series Race 3 © Ian Bradley

'It just not Cricket'

With no more boats being launched during the week, the 'Famous Five' continued the quest for points (which as we all know lead to prizes!).

With the wind continuing to blow from the NE (it seems to have become the prevailing wind direction in recent years) and a strong Ebb heading towards Puffin Island all afternoon, the race proved to be an exercise of finding the best of the tide.

With a simple 'X' course of B8, Friars and Hwfa set, the bulk of the small but select fleet started on Starboard, heading for the Anglesey shore, 29 (Trigger OBL & Mrs Motivator G) took the early lead from 42 (Family Booth), followed by 28 (Jeremy, Sarah & Alan), 38 (Mike & Steve) and a welcome addition to the fleet in 24 (Pippa & Arwel).

These positions remained for the first lap, then having rounded Hwfa, 29 and 42 headed for the Anglesey shore for the strongest favourable tide, 28 tacked early and headed for the limit marks, while 38 followed the leaders and consequently passed 28 with the aid of the stronger tide, all the while 24 were having a nice peaceful sail.

Although the fleet closed up, then spread out again as good or bad decisions were made, the order stayed the same for the duration of the race, with 29 taking the win from 42, thus denying Family Booth bragging rights about a 'Hat Trick'* of wins.38, 28 and 24 filled the remaining places.

In other news from the fleet, rumours of imminent launchings have yet to be confirmed but activity in the club shed has increased with at least 3 boats nearly ready.

• 40, Panache is awaiting delivery of a special 'go fast' paint and are itching to make use of the significant investments in sails and equipment made over the winter on the advice of coach Emlyn.

• 34, Ceridwen, is busy removing a layer of red dust that had mysteriously deposited itself on the deck (and the decks of all other boats in the shed).

• 22, Morlas, is having work done on the toe rails, before being moved outside for a tuning masterclass from a retired Fife sailor, so they should be flying when they get afloat.

• 1, Sian 2, is awaiting delivery of a new set of spreaders, having broken one when putting their mast up.

• 35, Tarka, is rumoured to be on her way down to the point for preparation.

• 15, Coila, will emerge form her winter quarters this week to be rigged and launched in time for next weekend.

• 30, Coralie 2, is in the 'beauty parlour' having a facelift in the capable hands of Gary 'Glass'.

P.S. It would appear that the derivation of the term 'Hat Trick' comes from the sport of Cricket, when, back in the day, a bowler who took 3 wickets was awarded a Bowler hat by his grateful team in recognition of the feat.