25th May Spring Series Race 12

A special treat for everyone this week, as the race report is brought to you by the Jolly Sailor’s apprentice. The Jolly Sailor was unavailable and not really interested as the race didn’t involve Mark capsizing his Aero.

Windy conditions and the bank holiday weekend seemed to put off many sailors.

Nigel had already offered to be 2nd PB for Peter Rose and his team. Rick also decided to join the race team after watching some big gusts come through.

Which left just three fools (sorry sailors) to compete in one pursuit race

By agreement the pursuit race was started at the 7.5minute mark as all three dinghies (a solo and two laser radials) had the same handicap.

A westerly wind meant that a land based start line could be used. However the start line pin was stuck fast in weed and mud at the far end of the lake, so a temporary mark had to be used instead.

At the start Chris Kilshaw got himself luffed up while the other two made good starts. That ended up being the story of the whole race – Chris K would catch and sometimes overtake Darren only to incur a penalty, catch a gust wrong or lose out to a wind shift. Newton in his solo kept challenging the two laser radials until near the end of the race when the gusts picked up and he seemed to settle for 3rd.

Darren finished first overall, with Chris K 2nd.

Only one capsize today despite the difficult conditions, the Honours for which go to Darren (Mark B must be proud).

A big thank you to Peter Rose and his team for organising the racing today.

We’re back on the Bank Holiday Monday for the Whitsun Pennant.