Commissioning Race 2023

Published 17:33 on 5 Mar 2023

 A cold, gentle NE breeze paired with a flood tide was on hand to welcome the start of the Salcombe Yacht Club 2023 season. 

17 boats arrived at the start line, to take on the course set by Chris Chubby Cleaves 3-1-3-1-3-1

After a manic first beat where clear air and calling the shifts was imperative, the fleet eventually settled down with the Henderson Lark and  Dan Bridger in his Aero out in front.

Close behind, a small group of 4 Solos had formed containing the two newest additions to the Solo fleet and were locked in a downwind gybing battle along the Portlemouth shore. 

Tim Fells led this tight group for much of the race but on the second beat back from Blackstone it was John Burn who took advantage of the shifts best as they passed in front of the Watch House.

Burn arrived at the mark just ahead of Fells and this duo now started to pull clear from the chasing pack. Unfortunately for the Lark and Aero they were unable to capitalise on their speed advantage and so it was now clear that it would be a 2 horse race between Fells and Burn for the win. 

As they reached Balckstone for the last time Fells pipped Burn to the mark putting himself in the driving seat for the final dash to the line and claimed his first win of the season with Burn a close second. 
Robin Hodges finished off the podium in 3rd.

Thank you to the race team for overseeing procedures on the water and to our new chef, Patrick, for providing a delicious buffet back at the club after racing.