Autumn Series Race 3 - Fast Handicap

Published 12:15 on 22 Sep 2024

Despite coinciding with one of the lowest tides of the year, an impressive fleet of 14 double-handers lined up for Race 3 of the Autumn Series. The challenging tidal conditions left Race Officer Simon Ballantine with limited course options, and he ultimately set a course of 3-1-3-1-3-1-3-2.

An unseasonably warm 12-15 knot northeasterly breeze swept through the harbour, with gusts reaching the low to mid-twenties, providing near-perfect conditions for an exciting afternoon of windward-leeward racing.

A shaky start saw several boats returning to exonerate themselves after an individual recall. Unfortunately, the Mclarens, sailing their RS400, were caught out and failed to return, resulting in an OCS classification.

At the front of the fleet, John Burn and Charlotte Simmonds in their Merlin Rocket reached Mark 3 just ahead of Fran Gifford and Frankie Burn, also in a Merlin Rocket. However, Fran and Frankie showed excellent speed on the downwind leg, overtaking to reach Blackstone first. The two Merlin teams traded positions throughout the race in an intense battle, neither able to gain a decisive lead over the other.

Tragedy struck for Fran and Frankie on the final upwind leg. Just 200 meters from the finish line, they capsized, costing them a spot in the top three on corrected time. John and Charlotte took line honours, securing second place on corrected time.

However, it was Will and Mandy Henderson, sailing their Yawl, who claimed the top spot. Demonstrating yet another dominant performance, the husband-and-wife team led the Yawl fleet with ease, securing a comfortable 1st place.

Further back in the fleet, a tense duel unfolded between David Stone (Y184) and David Greening (Y177), with the two match-racing each other around the harbour. In the end, it was Stone who prevailed, crossing the line ahead of Greening and earning himself 3rd place on corrected time.