Sailing Club Series Race 3 - Yawls

Published 11:59 on 10 May 2026

For Sailing Club Series, Race 3, a decent fleet of 9 yawls, 5 reds and 3 blues were presented with a fresh north easterly breeze and a surprising strong ebb tide, the current being pushed along by the breeze. 

The main point of interest was Graham CS's Y172 being helped by visiting superstar Andy "Taxi" Davis who had brought along Graham's new suit of HD sails. They looked very nice, and something made the boat go quickly as they finished first with a convincing lead, although had to retire as the Helm is not a Club member.

Behind them Y170 John Burn and Ross Borne, Y175 John and Katy Meadowcroft, Y159 Dan and Gail Bridger and Y174 Mike Knowles with Pete Morris in the red fleet boats had a good tussle up and down the estuary,  eventually spreading out a bit and finishing in that order.

In the fresh conditions, and in the absence of the rocket ship Y17, the older boats were unable to keep up with the newer but had a good race among themselves, this year's new combination of Y74, Mark Waterhouse and Nicola Bass very narrowly beating Y99 Stephen Galvin and Alan. Simon and Phil lost contact with the others, apparently due to operator error and then an attempt to roll a double six by sailing up the Portlemouth shore, it didn't pay off and they limped in last.. 

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A good day out and a bit more relaxed than last week's open meeting mayhem.

By Dan Bridger | Photos Lucy Burn