By Andy Read.
After retiring early to the bar on day 1, it was back to the main event of the weekend (sailing, not drinking) on day 2. A kinder forecast provided encouragement to the sailors, still launching into a fresh force 5 although battle wounds from yesterdays harsh conditions kept the numbers down.
Andy Read launched, powered up, and promptly returned ashore to change his main halyard leaving Alex Cory and Will Gould to fight it out for pole in race 1 of the day. They were joined briefly by local sailor Kelvin Childs, who was handling the conditions well until his tiller extension called end of play at the end of the first lap and therewith his regatta. Will’s upwind speed opened enough of a lead to take the win, though Alex’s early tack on the final upwind leg made it a photo finish for the race committee.
Race 2 and a nip and tuck race between the 3 still left standing. Will’s upwind speed again the discerning factor, closely followed by Alex, whilst Andy found the gybe all too much as the wind was building above forecast.
Race 3, another close fought race. Andy Read thinks he’s pulled away only to realise he’s clocked the wrong windward mark (don’t ask). Will again pips Alex to make it a clean sweep, as the Race Officer kindly calls an end to proceedings with the wind strength increasing to F6 gusting F7.
Ashore for tea, biscuits and medals, it was a weekend heavily influenced by the strong forecast which kept numbers down but Lee on Solent Sailing Club put on a fantastic effort to host a well organised event, with close racing and swift efficient race co-ordination. An event with many stories to tell, but well-done Will Gould for showing ‘how it’s done’.
Full results found at: https://www.lossc.org.uk/.../phantom-contender-solution...
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