Sunset Shield 2 10th August 2022
Another hot evening which saw 12 boats take to the water. SOOD Newton set a course of A, B, 3, 2, C (so your guess is as good as mine) and back through the start.
Ron was out in a Miracle, a sort of stretch limo version of the Mirror. A lot of us go out hoping for a miracle but rarely get the chance to sail in one! The Miracle has the same PY number as the Comet, so it will be interesting to see how that battle ensues. There was also a Mirror out bearing Ron’s normal sail number 70513, but this alter ego helm did not sign in, but then neither did Ron, perhaps he was hedging his bets!
First back across the line was Karen/Laser and she was followed by Steve & Rick/RS200 and Ralph/Laser, who crossed virtually together. About a minute later Dave & Ann/Leader were through in 4th place just ahead of Mike T/Comet, Mark/Laser and Alessandro & Matt/470. Sally/Comet crossed just behind them with Ron/Miracle and Paul H/Laser hot on her heels. Then another four minutes passed before Chris & Carol/420 hove into view followed by the incognito Mirror.
Mark was the mover on the second lap, gaining three places up to 3rd spot. Ron also gained three places to move to 7th but the group of Ron, Allesandro & Matt, Paul H and Sally were all very close together and having a splendid battle.
On the third lap the leading six did not change position, but Alessandro & Matt moved up to 7th place and Sally regained 8th place. Chris & Carol and 70513 received the hooter at the end of the lap.
At the end of the fourth and last lap there was no change in the order of the first seven boats, but Paul H gained two places up to 8th and Ron repassed Sally.
The final order on the water was – 1st Karen; 2nd Ralph; 3rd Mark; 4th Steve & Rick; 5th Mike T; 6th Dave & Ann.
On corrected time this changes to – 1st Karen/Laser; 2nd Mike T/Comet; 3rd Ralph/Laser; 4th Mark/Laser; 5th Dave & Ann/Leader; 6th Steve & Rick/RS200
Thanks to SOOD Newton and the race team of just Jacqueline Gummer and Patrick Crowley. Well done for coping!