Commodore’s Cup Race 2 – 21st April 2021

The wind was in a tricky direction tonight, NE about 5-10 mph, which forced SOOD Chris H to use a Committee Boat start.

It turned out to be a four lapper and Dave & Nikki (National12) were in the lead across the line at the end of the first lap with Newton (Solo) just 10 seconds behind them. Mike T (Laser) was 3^rd with Will (Radial) 4^th and Karen (Laser) 5^th. Adrian (Rooster) was next through in 6^th place just ahead of Dave & Ann (Leader), Ralph (Laser) and Gareth (Laser).  The Lasers of Mark and Darren were next across the line in 10^th and 11^th places, a change for them to see so many boats in front of them!

In 12^th place were Chris & Hilary (Wanderer, but where was our other Wanderer – Mike C where are you, we could have a fleet!).  Rick and Nigel in two more Lasers crossed the line together battling for 13^th place and they were about a minute ahead of Sally in her Comet who was only just ahead of fellow Comet helm Aileen (Cum on Aileen). Paul H, our sole remaining Supernova star, was next through a long way ahead of our only gaff rigger Paul W (Morbic12) and finally came the only Oppie out tonight with brave Phoebe at the helm.

Emily (4.7) seemed to have slipped under the radar and was not picked up for the first two laps but reappeared on the third lap!

At the end of the second lap there was no change with the first two, but Karen moved up to 3^rd with William still 4^th. Ralph gained three places to move up to 5^th and Darren gained two to move to 8^th.

Nigel moved up one to 13^th and Aileen passed Sally to gain 14^th place with Paul H also moving up one to 16^th spot. Paul W and Phoebe received the gun at the end of the lap.

Dave & Nikki increased their lead on the third lap with no change in the 2^nd and 3^rd places, but Mike T had got going again to move up to 4^th. Darren and Adrian had also got the boosters on, moving up  three and five places respectively to 5^th and 6^th. Then hurrah, up popped Emily in 7^th spot, but bad news for everyone else as they either held or lost places and Sally (who had repassed Aileen), Aileen  and Gareth received the gun.

The last lap saw no change at the front, but Newton lost his 2^nd place to Karen and Darren gained another two places to finish 3^rd. Ralph had a storming last lap gaining five places to take 4^th. Mark and Dave & Ann moved up a place to finish 10^th and 11^th. Nigel who had a race long battle with Rick manged to beat him across the line but they both gained a place by passing Chris & Hilary.  

The final order on the water was –

1^st Dave & Nikki; 2^nd Karen; 3^rd Darren; 4^th Ralph; 5^th Newton; 6^th Adrian

On corrected time this becomes-

1^st Dave & Nikki; 2^nd Newton; 3^rd William; 4^th Karen; 5^th Darren; 6^th Sally  

Although there may be a Steward’s enquiry as I thought Karen was sailing a Radial, rather than a full rig, but perhaps this is only for the Spring series.

Thanks to SOOD Chris H and the team of Angus, Nick and Rich.