Winter Series Race 2 - Fast Handicap
Published 19:54 on 3 Nov 2024
Saturday morning saw a smaller but determined fleet take to the water for Race 2 of the Fast Handicap series. With a brisk 10-knot easterly breeze cutting through the harbour, conditions were less desirable than the previous week, but spirits were high among the sailors nonetheless.
Race Officer Malcolm Mackley set a unique course of 3-X-3-2-3-1, with the mark X positioned just off the ferry steps. In a welcome change, the three loops increased in length, providing a bit of thought from the sailors.
As the six Fast Handicap boats set off, they were joined by four Lasers racing under the Short Race handicap. John and Frankie Burn, sailing their Merlin Rocket, made a strong start, capitalising on the fleets shyness to push the line. As they settled into natural PY running order, Peter Colclough and Alister Morley in the 505 led the way, reaching Crossways ahead of the others.
The course offered plenty of action, with the fleet having to navigate through the 15-strong Solo fleet, who were now progressing along swiftly on their first beat. As the Solos held position on the favoured starboard tack near mark X, the front-runners approached for a challenging port rounding, leading to some exciting close-quarters manoeuvring.
One of the highlights of the day was Olly Alexanders return to the water in his Phantom. Although he showed good form in the first beat, a snapped centerboard cut his race short—a disappointing but spirited reappearance after some time away.
The top three boats finished in a thrillingly tight contest, with just 29 seconds separating them. John and Frankie Burn in the Merlin Rocket clinched first place, followed closely by Olly and AJ Squire in the Albacore in second, and Stephen Galvin with Andrew Stirling in Yawl 99 taking third.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Simmonds, fresh from a regional Laser training session in Weymouth, showcased her skills in the Short Race handicap, securing a comfortable win by over a minute.
By John Burn
Photos Lucy Burn
