Bembridge Sailing Club Early September Keelboat Racing
by Bembridge Sailing Club 8 Sep 09:19 BST
6-7 September 2025
With last weekend a write-off with no racing because of strong winds, and the forecast for this weekend not looking too promising, inevitably there was not a lot of enthusiasm to go racing.
However, with Saturday morning initially looking better than Sunday morning, two One-Designs and three Redwings made it to the start area off Nainby. Because Mike Toogood in Tara had an initial problem that delayed him getting to the start, it was decided at the two One-Designs would go first. No 10 helmed by James Row made a port tack start mid-line avoiding Alexander Ross in No 8 who made a more conventional start. Heading to Garland which they rounded close together but with No 8 just ahead. On the reach to Footprint and the run to Drum there was little in it, but with James rounding just ahead having been able to take the inside track unchallenged. The second round was a bit of 'follow my leader' with James covering Alexander's every move and finishing 30 seconds ahead.
The start of the second race was delayed following a MOB incident onboard one of the Redwings - Musicus. Crew member Rosie Sym fell overboard from the stern deck where she had been fitting the rear cleat cover; fortunately she was able to hang onto the runner and once the helm David McCue had stopped the boat she was able to haul herself back onboard assisted by David and another crew member. Having not set off the manual lifejacket she was wearing, she decided to stay onboard for the subsequent two races.
The second One-Design race was initially set to follow the same course as the first race; both boats remained on starboard tack with Hugh Doherty, now helming No 10 always in control. That said, Penny Stanley helming No 8 gave them a good run for their money in the tricky sea conditions. The second round was modified with Under Tyne as the windward mark; Drum remained the leeward mark; then it was Nainby to starboard and the finish at Pepe. At the finish No 10 crossed the line 10 seconds ahead.
The first Redwing race had seen Xander Shaw dominate almost from the start line; however Musicus (David McCue) and Tara (Mike Toogood) were always close and at times were trading tacks. Musicus finished a minute behind Harlequin and just under a minute ahead of Tara.
The second race sent them to Tara, Drum, Nainby (to starboard) and Pepe to finish.
Start of Redwing Race 2
Tara was probably lucky not to be called OCS however with Sea Breeze rolling as she was, Mike was given the benefit of doubt. It was not long before Harlequin was out in front again; and in a similar way to the first race, Musicus and Tara were left to battle it out for second place. As in the first race, the former held onto a solid second, two minutes behind Harlequin and 30 seconds ahead of Tara.
After a quick recce using Sea Breeze to see what the sea conditions were like on Sunday morning, three single handed One-Designs rigged up and sailed out to the start line at Old Church. Initially the windward mark was Pepe but just after the start sequence began, the breeze backed and the course was rapidly changed to Spence Willard. Although all three boats had a reasonable start, Xander Shaw in No 3 reached Spence Willard a country mile ahead having successfully navigated the various wind holes better than No 12 (Alexander Ross) and guest helm Tom Seely in No 8. With such a huge lead, the winner was never in doubt, however the other two boats had a very close race with No 12 finishing second less than quarter of a boat length ahead of No 8.
With the 10 knot breeze veering more southerly, the second race reverted to Pepe as the windward mark; it was then a run to Drum and a beat back to Pepe. Xander again had the best start and never looked like being overtaken and rounded Pepe a few boat lengths ahead of Alexander with Tom playing catch up after a slightly late start. No 8 and No 12 were again close by the time they reached Drum but on the beat to the finish No 8 found the better route and took second. There were no Redwings.
No racing next weekend due to the difficult tides; weather permitting Sea Breeze is going down to RVYC as the Committee boat for the MOCRA Solent Regatta on Saturday. Should have been a two day Regatta but its been reduced to one to encourage participation.