Autumn Series Race 2 - Fast Handicap

Published 17:00 on 13 Sep 2026

There was definitely a change in the weather. Summer has fast departed, with a notable chill in the air, but thankfully the water is still warm and, when the sun appears, it remains pleasant enough.

Eight boats intended to make the start for the second race of the Autumn Series, but only seven appeared on the line. Mike Knowles could be seen desperately trying to float his Yawl, but it was hopeless. Not even the Sea-Legs could help — Kingfisher was well and truly beached.

The Yawls once again bolstered the numbers and joined the Fast Handicap, meaning the two Red Fleet and two Blue Fleet Yawls would line up alongside the Merlin Rocket, 505 and the new addition, an RS400.

The first beat quickly saw the fleet settle into their PY running order. First to Blackstone was Peter Colclough with Alistair — not Morley, but a new Alistair — in the 505, followed by John Burn and Ross Borne in the RS400, with Fran and Frankie in the Merlin Rocket.

The Yawl contingent was predictably being led by the Hendersons, with the Jacksons, Stirling/Sworder and Skelhorn/Tweedle in pursuit.

The super-slick Merlin pairing quickly dispatched the 400 downwind. It turns out that a season of Yawl sailing does not prepare you in any way for an activity requiring even a modicum of fitness.

The trip to Gerston and back was uneventful from a positional point of view, but it did provide an exhilarating two-sail, flat-out reach — just like the good old days.

The Hendersons had extended their lead over their fellow Yawlies and were now fixated on chasing down the front three.

Peter and New Alistair, out in front, unfortunately opted to sail a different course to the one Race Officer Tim Law had set, making all their efforts for the day meaningless. Meanwhile, the bargain RS400 revealed the downside of purchasing bargain boats, shedding its slot gasket mid race, resulting in an early withdrawal.

It was left to Fran and Frankie to fend off the Yawl charge, but with the breeze in the harbour shifting and fading, the Hendersons closed the gap.