BBQ Series – The Fastnet

 

 

 

This Sunday just gone saw the second race of the BBQ series –  “The Fastnet”.  A group of a dozen or more intrepid sailors gathered by the club for the briefing for this, the most gruelling off-shore races, where it was explained to them that the Fastnet Rock in this case was mark 3, Land’s End mark 9 and the Isles of Scilly mark 1 (it just takes a little imagination !).  The handicap and topper class were to do the full course, while for the oppies it was deemed cruel to send them all the way to Ireland, so it was just a leg to Land’s End !  

 

16 boats mustered at the start, and in keeping with the theme the weather was a blustery force 3 to 4.  Tracy in her Comet was the first boat to go  around the rock (the OOD has got remarkably good eyesight). Monica rounded second in her Europe, but not before having some problems remembering whether to pass Land’s End to port or starboard – port is a bit bumpy ! William was the first Topper to reach the Rock before making off towards the Isles of Scilly.  Meanwhile, the two oppies, Jemima and Bea were battling their way down the channel to Land’s End.  Bea had a little help in terms of rather a sizeable tow by the rescue boat (helmed by Jemima’s Dad !), while the OOD pretended not to see.   Tracy and Amy were the first of the handicap fleet back to Cowes, but decided to give the second lap a miss and go off for a play.  The Topper fleet were more resilient with all the boats setting off for a second lap. 

 

In the true nature of the Fastnet there were a number of mishaps, gear failures etc.  Rhys for example lost his mainsheet and needed to be towed in. Others capsized and decided enough was enough.  Anyway ignoring the Handicap fleet for a minute,  William was the first Topper home, Ben second and Joe third. In the oppie battle, Bea pipped Jemima in the downwind run home.  Full results below.  In terms of the full series Joe leads the Topper fleet, with William 2nd,  Edward 3rd, Sam 4th.  In the Oppie class Jemima leads. Don’t worry if you have missed a race, after the 3rd race I will be applying discards so there is still all to play for.

 

Thanks to Steve, Ann and Phil for providing the rescue boat cover.

 

Next BBQ Series is this coming Sunday 28th June start at 14:30-ish.  Monica will be running this as I will be climbing Snowdon !   The race theme ?  The Volvo Around the World Ocean Race – best take sandwiches !

 

James Primrose