Spring Seriaes 5 2nd April
With a NNW wind about 8-10 mph Peter R used the usual flagpole start and set the first beat to 6, then 2s, 5p, 4p, 8p and back through the start.
Poor Chris A launched his Solo for the first outing of the year only to find that it was making water round the centreboard housing and had to retreat to land before even starting.
Pursuit race
There were 13 starters and Franz had opted for his Contender in favour of his Laser, but found the conditions were not conducive to a high speed trapeze boat, so decided to look for enough wind to sail in rather than complete the course!
Early starter Chris H (Comet) was first back through the start followed by Richard S (Laser), William (4.7), Mark (Laser), Newton & Ellen (RS200) and Peter S (Byte CII). Then came a trio of Lasers, James, Gareth and Dave I followed by Mike A (Radial), Dean (Vago – single handed) and Alistair S (Laser).
At the gun Richard had not managed to catch Chris, but Newton & Ellen had moved up two places to 3rd and the only other mover was Mike A up two places to 8th.
The final positions were –
1st Chris; 2nd Richard S; 3rd Newton & Ellen; 4th Mark B; 5th James; 6th Peter S
Handicap Race
Dave I as usual went for an early cup of tea and Gareth and Franz did not complete the first lap, but presumably they were enjoying the sun and playing.
The wind had dropped slightly for the start of the race and Peter R changed the course to 6, 9, 5, 4, 8 and back through the start line. Ellen & Newton got a really good start and rounded the first mark well clear of the rest of the fleet. By the end of the lap James was 2nd, Peter S 3rd, Richard S 4th and close behind him was Mark in 5th. Then there was a slight gap back to Mike A in 6th just ahead of Dean, Chris and Alistair with William bringng up the rear.
At the end of the second and final lap the first two maintained their lead, but Richard had got past Peter to move up to 3rd. The other movers on the last lap were Chris who gained two places to 6th and Alistair who managed to get ahead of Dean.
The final positions on the water were –
1st Ellen &Newton; 2nd James; 3rd Richard; 4th Peter S; 5th Mark; 6th Chris
On handicap it is a little more difficult to predict. If Peter is sailing off the old Byte Handicap of 1190 he will take the victory, but if the new Byte CII handicap is applied he will take 2nd with Ellen & Newton taking the win. Chris will move up to 3rd pushing James down to 4th with Richard 5th and Mark 6th.
Thanks to Peter R and the OOD team of Patrick C, Sophie F-P, Colin H and Rick.