Twilight Race 7th September 2022

The forecast was for a SSW wind of 11 mph, but this was only occasionally correct and by the end of the race there was very little wind! Karen prudently set a nice figure of eight short course using B (on the way to 5), A (on the way to 8), 6, 7 and back through the start line.

There were 15 starters and at the end of the first lap Rhys/Laser was leading from Mark/Laser and Newton & Sam/RS200. About two minutes later Ron/Miracle and Steve/Solo came into view and they were a minute ahead of Emily/Radial and Mike A/Lightning. Next along in 8th place was Jamie H/Laser followed by Alessandro & Matt/470. Nearly two minutes later Will P/Radial crossed the line and he was two minutes ahead of Hattie/Laser, Then another two minutes later Jess & Milo in a Feva came through and they were followed by Phoebe/Topper, Jorge & Theo/Marlin and Andrew & Molly/Mirror.

The positions on the water became quite confusing as the light faded as some only completed one lap, some two laps and others three laps.

It was evident that Newton & Sam had taken the lead by the end of the second lap with Rhys and Mark in 2nd and 3rd places. Ron was still in 4th place, but Emily was up to 5th ahead of Steve and Mike A.  Jamie H retired from 8th place through lack of wind and Will P passed Alessandro & Matt.  Hattie, Jess & Milo, Phoebe and Jorge & Theo and Andrew & Molly received the hooter at the end of their second laps, but some of the leaders had actually finished their third laps by this time.

On the third lap Mark had passed Newton & Sam and finished about a minute ahead of them. It was getting quite difficult to see some of the marks in the gloom and Karen and Aileen must have been on the carrots to see the boats crossing the line. Alessandro & Matt retired somewhere on this last lap, but it was easier to spot them because of their magnificent display of lights.

The finishing order on the water was –

1st Mark; 2nd Newton & Sam; 3rd Rhys; 4th Ron; 5th Mike A; 6th Emily; 7th Steve; 8th Will P

On corrected time Ron moved up to 2nd place, but the order of everyone else remains the same.

Alessandro & Matt and Jorge & Theo were stand outs in the contest for the best lit boat (well done lads). A close decision which just went to Alessandro & Matt.

Thanks to SOOD Karen and the race team of Aileen Moore, Leo Coppens, Nigel Lacey and Stuart Cook.

After the race had finished there was a torrential downpour, but fortunately everyone apart from Alessandro & Matt had managed to pack their gear away!