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Spring Series - Handicap Race 2

Published 16:30 on 17 Mar 2024

The second race of the 2024 Spring Series attracted a fleet consisting of three Merlin Rockets, one Laser Radial, and a Topper, all eager to compete on the water.

Under the guidance of seasoned Race Officer Graham Cranford-Smith, the course was set at 1-3-1-3-2-3, ensuring an exciting and challenging race ahead.

As the starting horn blasted out, the fleet wasted no time in diving into the competition. The natural hierarchy swiftly began to emerge, with the speedy Merlin Rockets, led by John and Katy Meadowcroft, taking an early lead over Andrew Groves in the Laser Radial and Charlotte Simmonds in the Topper.

The Meadowcrofts were quick to establish dominance, reaching the first mark at Blackstone ahead of the pack, closely followed by Andrew and Tris Squire. A tactical move by John Burn and Frances Gifford to gybe towards the crab pots paid off, allowing them to surge past the Squires and challenge the Meadowcroft's for the lead.

Navigating the course towards Crossways, John and Frances manoeuvred themselves ahead, capitalising on the waning breeze to maintain their position at the front of the fleet. Despite the challenging conditions at mark 3, as they worked their way around the remaining laps of the harbour, they extended their advantage and sailed on to claim their second win of the series.

Meanwhile, John and Katy Meadowcrofts decision to dive towards the crab pots on the second lap back form Blackstone backfired, leaving them stranded in unfavourable conditions. Andrew and Tris Squire, learning from their competitors misfortune, opted for a different route, capitalising on the stronger breeze that was to be found slightly further out in the stream. This propelled them into second place, a position they successfully defended until the end, with John and Katy ultimately settling for third.

1st John Burn & Frances Gifford, Merlin Rocket 3682

2nd Andrew and Tris Squire, Merlin Rocket 3725

3rd John & Katy Meadowcroft, Merlin Rocket 3666