4th Annual Start Racing Course Regatta at Bough Beech Sailing Club

Event organiser Richard Lambert presents Oli Facques with the Start Racing Course Regatta Trophy © BBSC

A record ten competitors assembled at Bough Beech SC for the Start Racing Course Regatta. Now in its fourth edition, it has now become an established fixture on the club's calendar.

The event is run exclusively for members who have taken part in the RYA Start Racing course, with the aim to give competitors a full racing event experience, the difference being that everyone is at a similar level of ability. Some were competing in an organised race for the very first time, while others were in "Last Chance Saloon", this being their final bid for glory from the allowance of two regatta appearances.

The wind slowly built all day from the south, ranging from 6kts and strengthening steadily to around 12kts in the afternoon. In the first race, it was Stephen Drain and Mark Greaves (ILCA 7s) who made fine starts and were soon establishing a decent lead, before eventually being joined by Leigh Clark (Solution). Furher back, Catherine Duncumb (ILCA 4) was hanging on to the leaders impressively given the much smaller sail, and held on for a very creditable 5th on her racing debut. In the end a photo-finish saw Steve D over the line a second ahead of Leigh, but it was the latter who won race 1 on handicap.

In the second race it was Oli Facques (ILCA 7) who made the best start, but by the windward mark, Andy Wilkinson (ILCA 7) had squeezed ahead, thanks to a very precise and daring tack under the approaching windard boat, to round in the lead. The pair built a good advantage, but it was Andy who crossed first, Oli second and Steve D further back in third.

After a break for lunch the wind increased and this suited Joe and Anna Hellsten (Kestrel) who were soon into a commanding lead. The windier conditions also suited Stephen Gregory (ILCA 6) who was clear in second. In mid fleet, Freddie French (ILCA 6) was now finding his rhythm and notched a creditable 5th, despite not having sailed much at all recently. The Hellstens were never challenged for an impressive win, despite not using a spinnaker. So by the final race, we had three different race winners and with one discard allowed, it was wide open who would be crowned the Start Racing Regatta champion.

In the final race, Tricia Stone (ILCA 4) absolutely nailed her start leaving the fleet trailing in her wake, however her advantage was scuppered after taking a penalty turn when she touched a race mark.

In the stronger winds, it was the main protagonists who would fight it out by the finish. In the end, Oli notched up his first race win, followed by Leigh, with Stephen G now well into the groove, rounding out the podium.

A nailbiting wait ensued for the numbers to be crunched into Sailwave, and with a consistent series of results, it was young Oli Facques who emerged victorious and took home the coveted trophy.

Overall Results:

1st Olivier Facques (ILCA 7) 7pts
2nd Andy Wilkinson (ILCA 7) 8pts
3rd Leigh Clark (Solution) 9pts
4th Johannes & Anna Hellsten (Kestrel) 9pts
5th Stephen Gregory (ILCA 6) 10pts
6th Stephen Drain (ILCA 7) 12pts
7th Mark Greaves (ILCA 7) 16pts
8th Freddie French (ILCA 6) 17pts
9th Catherine Duncumb (ILCA 4) 22pts
10th Tricia Stone (ILCA 4) 25.5pts