2025 Medway Yacht Club Cruiser Spring Series - Race 5

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 5 © Gaurav Sarin

The fifth and final race of the MYC Spring Series took place on a slightly chilly and overcast Sunday morning, with a light 6 - 8 knot north-easterly breeze and the very last of the ebb tide greeting racers gathering on the start line. This offered a tactical challenge for the four Class 1 and six Class 2 boats. While the weather was far from spring-like, the racing was anything but dull, with close competition throughout both the fleets and series standings still in play.

The course was set for a fetch down river with a brief upwind section in Pinup Reach and the moored barges to avoid. Class 1 sailing the longer course down river as far as the start of Tanker Reach. Class 2 sailing a similar course with buoy 15 as the furthest down river.

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 5 - photo © Martin Godden

For Class 1 competitors were cautious on the start line with Countdown the first to cross and into a short lead prior to being overtaken by Chips with better boat-speed. Mercury started to stretch her legs and coming from behind started to make her way through the fleet. Mercury extended as the fleet made their way through Short Reach and Gillingham Reach followed by Chips, Countdown and Aquila.

At the end of Long Reach, the course turned into the breeze toward buoy 13 and there were options to follow the east shore or play the shifts across to the west shore. As the wind continued to shift, with gusts and lulls to consider, it was a game of swings and roundabouts. Mercury had long gone having sailed ahead of the remaining three boats. For the group with Chips, Countdown and Aquila, Chips kept to the east side whilst Countdown and Aquila followed the west side up the beat against the incoming tide.

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 5 - photo © Gaurav Sarin

Eventually the West side came good by a small-head and Countdown led round the turn mark, Chips second and Aquila third. This group stayed in that order for the remainder of the race despite challenges from Chips chasing Countdown. A short flat run and turn on to a tight reach to keep the foredeck teams and crews on their toes with their sail handling.

In the latter stages, as Class 1 caught up with Class 2, the boats closed in together and there was tight upwind racing back through Short Reach to the finish.

For race 5 Countdown finished 1st on IRC and Chips second on corrected time. after a very tight series.

'Countdown' takes a prize - Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series - photo © Larissa Caheny

For the overall in the IRC series Countdown was first from Chips. Zephyros was third. For the YTC series Chips finished first gaining a clean sweep in the series impressively discarding a first place. Countdown was second and Zephyros third. For the Club Handicap Series Countdown was first, Chips second and Toucan third.

For Class 2 - Short Wave, starting closer to the pin end, was first across the line and briefly led the fleet. Hotspur, positioned closer to the north shore, found a stronger line of breeze and quickly established herself in a strong position as the boats stretched out on the reach to buoy No. 26. Short Wave flew her asymmetric spinnaker on the leg and did well to close the gap again, keeping the pressure firmly on Hotspur as they approached the first turning mark.

The rest of the fleet followed in close order, setting up a competitive race in the light airs.

On the northbound beat towards Hoo Flats, Gothik overhauled Short Wave and soon closed the distance to Hotspur, setting up a closely fought contest along Long Reach. Both boats were well-matched and sailed with impressive precision in the shifting breeze. After rounding the bottom mark and turning west toward Darnet No. 23, Hotspur finally established her lead at the end of Gillingham Reach, maintaining a narrow advantage through to the finish following an excellent, well-managed performance.

Meanwhile, Short Wave held off a determined challenge from Freya and Petite Fleur, with all three boats racing within tight margins. Both Short Wave and Petite Fleur carried spinnakers for the short downwind stretch of Pinup Reach, making good gains before preparing for the light airs beat back up Short Reach. This final leg, on the flood tide and under a fading breeze, required every ounce of concentration, with careful tacking and precise sail trim proving decisive.

'Short Wave' takes a prize - Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series - photo © Tim Hill

Hotspur crossed the line just over a minute ahead of Gothik to claim 1st place on corrected time in both YTC and Club Handicap (CH). Again on corrected time, Short Wave claimed second in both categories, having sailed a smart and determined race. Gothik's consistency secured her third in CH. On corrected YTC, the top three were Hotspur 1st, Short Wave second, and Petite Fleur third. Omega completed the fleet and finished the series with admirable persistence.

With the final race complete, the overall Spring Series results were confirmed. Ten boats had participated across the five-race series, with six racing on the final day.

In YTC, Short Wave and Petite Fleur finished tied on points, with Short Wave taking 1st overall on countback and Petite Fleur second. Hotspur's strong final result lifted her to third place. In CH standings, Short Wave emerged first, followed by Petite Fleur in second and Gothik in third.

After racing, both Class 1 and 2 fleets gathered at the clubhouse for a cheerful prize-giving and BBQ, a fitting conclusion to the series as the sun finally made its appearance. Prizes were given out by our Commodore Catherine Gore.

'Short Wave' takes a prize - Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series - photo © Larissa Caheny

Overall, a great Spring Series to get teams ahead of the game for their summer racing plans. A mixed series of courses, both in and out the river, ably set and managed by Richard Fernandes alongside the new for 2025 and successful Club Handicap system.

The Spring Series concluded on a high, with competitive racing, tight results, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Both classes provide for friendly, close quarters racing in a welcoming and spirited group. Whether you're new to racing or a seasoned sailor, this series offers fantastic competition and an opportunity to sail and hone your skills in great company.

We encourage all owners of suitable yachts to come out and join in - you won't regret it!

The teams all now are looking forward to the Club's Keelboat Regatta on 14th-15th June, details on the club's website. www.medwayyachtclub.com/racing/keelboat-regatta

Thanks also to Race Officers Philip Clarabut, our Vice Commodore and Edwin Hannant, and finally but importantly Cruiser Racer Class Captain Tim French. Special thanks were extended to Richard, Tim, and the race team for their excellent organisation and steadfast commitment throughout the series.

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 5 - photo © Martin Godden

Overall Results: