JOG Offshore Race from Cowes to St Vaast
by Guy Nicholls 8 May 2002 10:41 BST
The JOG race to St Vaast started on Friday evening, 3rd May with numerous forecasts, the majority indicating a gentle NW, gradually veering around to the North and possibly NE.
Class 5 were first away down to the Needles, with Nimbus and Blazer getting excellent starts in the strong tide. Many tried a kite although being very shy, white sails were also seen to be working well.
In Class 4 Just Enough won the start from Annokia and Dick Dastardly, with Dragonfly and the rest of the big fleet, including numerous Sigma 38s in pursuit. In Class 3 Dark Star, Scarlet Oyster and Incisor just had the edge on J Fever as the breeze freed slightly to allow more kites.
Down the Solent, a large (heading) windshift near Yarmouth meant white sails, as the wind also lightened towards the Shingles bank. Once around Bridge, most continued on starboard pole before gybing in the dark night.
The tide went against at Barfleur and whether to go in tight or not nobody could agree on. In the outcome, the heavier boats seemed to do well in the reaching. A lovely race and thanks to all race officers.
Overall Results:
| Class 5 |
|---|
| 1st | Disko Trooper |
| 2nd | Alchemist |
| 3rd | Blazer |
| Class 4 |
|---|
| 1st | Longue Pierre |
| 2nd | Mefisto |
| 3rd | Plane Sailing |
| Class 3 |
|---|
| 1st | Scarlet Oyster |
| 2nd | Bounty Hunter |
| 3rd | Hooligan IV |