Cobley Series 5 – 10th October 2021

This morning the wind was NNW about 6 mph for the first race but increasing slightly for the second race. Mike A used a Tektona start with the first mark as A (roughly halfway between 4 and 5), then 4, B (in the direction of 2 but nearer to the start line) and back through the start line.

There were 16 starters, which was the same as last week, but entirely different wind conditions!     

 Pursuit Race

Thanks to young Edward L at the start for balancing on the roof of Tektona to raise and lower race flags. Mike A had got up to lash the race flagpole to Tektona’s mast, but decided once on the roof was enough for one day!

At the end of a lap, the earlier starters were still ahead and Chris H (Comet) was well away at the front. Mike C and Roland in their Solos were in 2^nd and 3^rd places with Aileen in another Comet 4^th. Newton & Ainhoa (RS200) were the first of the “fast fleet” just ahead of Sally in her Comet. There was also another Comet out today as Richard Flood joined the growing fleet and he was towards the back with Rick & Lottie (RS200), who were practicing extreme roll tacks.

At the 35 minute gun Chris was still ahead and the final order was –

1^st Chris H (Comet); 2^nd Newton & Ainhoa (RS200); 3^rd Mike C (Solo); 4^th Roland (Solo); 5^th Darren (Laser); 6^th Ralph (Laser).

Handicap Race

The wind increased slightly and veered to the North, so the course was changed to 5, 4, 2, 3 and S for this race.

Nathan kindly replaced Edward on the roof to keep the owl company and do flag duty.

Ralph was flying and first back across the line with a decent lead on Darren who was in 2^nd place and he was followed by Newton & Ainhoa and Chris K (Laser). Alessandro & Mike T (470) were going well and crossed in 6^th place 30 seconds ahead of Richard S (Laser). Over a minute passed before Adrian came along in his Rooster (hoping for the wind to get stronger) followed by Chris H and Mike C who were having a tussle for 9^th place.  Rick & Lottie crossed in 10^th place, looking much steadier having reduced the roll on the tack. Alistair S (Laser) was in a Comet sandwich as he battled with Aileen and Sally and bringing up the rear were Richard F in another Comet and Christine in her Mirror.  

By the end of the second lap Newton & Ainhoa and Chris K had moved up to 2^nd and 3^rd by passing Darren. Roland was still in 5^th place, but Richard S had moved up one place to 6^th. Further back Mike C had got past Chris H (but only by 5 seconds across the line) and Alistair had moved ahead of Aileen. Richard F and Christine received the gun at the end of this lap.

At the finish Ralph crossed the line in 1^st place, but it was a close call with Chris K and Newton & Ainhoa right on his transom.  There was a bit of repassing going on as Alessandro & Mike T regained 6^th place from Richard and Chris H regained 9^th from Mike C. Rick & Lottie, Alistair, Aileen and Sally all maintained station. The final order on the water was –

1^st Ralph; 2^nd Chris K; 3^rd Newton & Ainhoa; 4^th Darren; 5^th Roland; 6^th Alessandro & Mike T

On corrected time the positions change to – 1^st Chris H; 2^nd Ralph; 3^rd Roland; 4^th Chris K; 5^th Newton & Ainhoa; 6^th Darren.

Thanks to Mike A and the race team of Helen and Nathan with Nigel & Edward L, Hilary S and Alistair J (and crew – sorry did not get your name) in the PBs. Thanks also to Aileen who too time from putting her Comet away to help get the PBs out of the water.