Spring Series, Race 3, - Fast Handicap Race

Published 08:17 on 23 Mar 2026

Race 3 of the Springs Series saw six double-handed teams take each other on in the Fast Handicap fleet. The lone 505 was up against two regular Merlin Rockets and three Red Fleet Salcombe Yawls.

A light and patchy ENE breeze, combined with a spring low tide, gave Race Officer Andrew Squire little option but to keep the fleet looping in the main stretch of the harbour on a 3-1-3-1-3-2-3 course… at least it was sunny.

Despite being the only 505 on the water, Peter Colclough and Alistair Morley found themselves locked in battle with the two Merlin Rockets. Fran Gifford and Frankie Burn got out in front early and began to stretch their legs, opening up a gap on the Merlin Rocket of John and Katy Meadowcroft.

While the front three faster boats fought it out, the three Yawls — 145, 170, and 174 — were also enjoying close racing. Each took turns leading the group, only to fall foul of a shift and drop back, before fighting through again. This pattern continued throughout the afternoon, with no one able to break clear for long.

In the end, it was John Burn, crewed by Simon Dawes, who emerged victorious. Despite inevitably slowing each other down, the Yawls were still quick enough on corrected time to secure all three podium positions.

1st John Burn & Simon Dawes Y170
2nd Greg & Clare Hoar Y145
3rd Mike Knowles & Pete Morris Y174

By John Burn | Photos Lucy Burn