20th August Gillette Juniors & Gillette Race 9

Force 3/4 winds for the latest rounds of the Gillette and Junior Gillette Series.

4 boats were out for the Junior Gillette. Ilya suffered a boat breakage at the start line, and in exchange for a rescue, was forced to help as race officer. The three remaining boats all had a good start, with Molly (Topper 4.2) taking an early lead. Milo & Fergus (Both Optimists) we’re close behind. Despite Milo having to complete penalty turns for hitting a buoy, he managed to stay ahead of Fergus. Molly meanwhile was extending her lead.

Molly crossed the line first, with Milo 2nd and Fergus 3rd. Positions were unchanged on Handicap. It’s all the play for with one race remaining in the Junior series, and just 0.4 points separating Molly & Ilya in the standings.

The main Gillette race had 14 boats out. With a port bias, there was a close fight at the pin end for position. Newton (Solo) was first to the windward mark, followed by Ralph & Hugh (Both ILCA7). Mark was close behind in his Aero 7. The top 4 jostled for position for much of the race. Hugh managed to pass both Ralp and Newton to take the lead.

Elsewhere in the race, Jess, James P (Both ILCA7) & Rhys (ILCA6) were having a close battle in the midfleet. James P managed a capsize but caught back up with the others.

Hugh crossed the line first, with Newton 2nd and Ralph 3rd.

On Handicap, Newton was 1st, Hugh 2nd & Ralph 3rd.

Aside from James, there were capsizes from Tim & Steve P.

A big thank you to Steve S and his team for running the racing on Wednesday.

After the race, there was 5 bean curry, made by Ron.

Only pictures of the Junior Race this week, that’s Hugh’s fault and he’s sorry.

We’re back on Sunday for the next rounds of the Summer Series.