Wellerd takes P1 in wet and windy Crawford Pursuit at Plym Yacht Club

Crawford Pursuit Race at Plym Yacht Club © Emily Borner

Crawford Pursuit Race at Plym Yacht Club © Emily Borner

Another windy, stormy and cold Sunday, another Crawford Pursuit. 19 boats entered to kick off the season, with 16 boats making it onto the water. 2 races were planned, with the start times of the second race determined by performance in the first.

Wind slightly west of the forecast allowed the RO David Rollinson to set a windward/leeward course stretching across the front of Plymouth Hoe down the Cattewater to Drakes Island.

The ILCA 6's started first, and held the lead for a good period of the race. Several of the yachts struggled against the tide upwind in the at times squally conditions, meaning some of the slower dinghies held the advantage for a lot of the race. By 20 minutes in, the Nacra 15 and Flying Dutchman had been let out of the blocks, spending little time dispatching the tail-enders, and went chasing after the leaders, now the RS200's and ILCA of Mark Stacey, who were both led by reigning Phantom National Champion Jon Rickard. Rickard ultimately went on to take the win in race 1, followed by the FD with the 3rd taken by the Nacra 15 of George Stacey and Finn Caddy. It was great for the fleet and assembled audience to see a Nacra really moving in Plymouth Sound ahead of their World Championship in July, where we are expecting over 60 more!

While the fleet waited for the calculations for race 2, a lot of the boats had decided that it wasn't quite warm enough to be on the water for too long yet, and started withdrawing for coffee and warmth ashore. 7 boats went on to take part in the second race, where the RO had shortened the beat, making it somewhat more intense with more of a focus on manoeuvring. Gusts of 26 knots were seen over the deck, and the boats that survived were rewarded with some spicy downwind sailing, but the win ultimately went to the Aero 7 of Ben Dodwell, a return to racing in Plymouth that was pleasing to see! The whole fleet finished within about a minute. An added 10 minute delay to the start time of the Flying Dutchman of Joe Wellerd meant they were only able to take out one boat, but that was enough to take the overall win for the day by 2 points, from Cameron Gee's RS200 and the ILCA 6 of Mark Stacey. The top yacht was Claire Gribbin's Aegir. Crews headed ashore to warm up and patch of injuries, but all enjoyed the day. Thanks to all involved, especially the race management team and safety boats.

Video footage from Stephen Jarman:

The Ashley Crawford Memorial Pursuit happens twice a year, for dinghies, yachts, windsurfers and wing foils. The next Plym Yacht Club racing is the Plymouth Gin Spring Series, starting April 5th.

Overall Results: