Spring Series, Race Three - Handicap Report
Published 11:25 on 25 Mar 2024
Handicap Race - By John Burn.
After an improved turnout the previous week, numbers were once again down as the weather forecast, no doubt, deterred some.
Race Officer Dan Bridger had much to ponder as he contemplated his course options. No wind, lots of wind, too much wind, not to mention the sun, rain, and hail—you name it, he had it.
He settled for 5-X-5-X-5, with the X mark being placed in the middle of the estuary between the Start/Finish Line and Millbay.
Tim Fells and Frances Gifford, sailing a Lark, were joined by the two Merlin Rockets of Andrew and Tris Squire along with John Burn and James Greenhill.
Tim and Fran took the lead right from the get-go, demonstrating some great boat handling skills in the tricky conditions off the start line.
As the Lark and Merlins arrived at Saltsone, a mighty squall hit, resulting in big grins and an exhilarating two-sail blast back from the mark. At this point, the Squires fell over, which enabled Burn and Greenhill to get back into the race after they had also been swimming on the previous leg.
Tim and Fran were the first to reach the windless section of the race track in front of the club, which allowed John and James to close up, but they never got close enough to put Tim and Fran under any real pressure.
The second trip to Saltsone was a more controlled affair, as the wind had abated slightly and the return leg enabled spinnakers to be flown.
As they reached the main harbour, it had blown up again as the second squall of the day blew through, this time bringing the hail with it.
Thankfully, the course was shortened, and line honours, along with corrected time victory, went to Tim and Fran in the Lark.
John and James finished second, while Andrew and Tris unfortunately did not finish.
1st Tim and Fran Lark
2nd John Burn and James Greenhill
Photos By Lucy Burn.
