SYC Summer Series Race 4 - Solo

Published 16:51 on 14 Jul 2024

A light west south westerly, reinforced by a hint of sea breeze provided sitting out conditions for the twelve Solo sailors for the third race of the Salcombe Yacht Club Summer Series. 

Race officer Fran Gifford set a classic Blackstone Gerston Blackstone Crossways course on a neapy ebb tide.

A highly contested start saw the fleet get away cleanly, with Tim Fells rounding Blackstone first creating a gap between him and the pursuing pack who fought for clear air and inside berth along the Portlemouth shore.

As the fleet converged at Snapes Point, David Greening slid out into the lead following the cross to Ox Point and then crossed again with Fells, James Greenhill, Chris Cleaves and Bill Jago by Tosnos Point, then Fells retook the lead at Saltstone Point.

On the return into the Bag, Fells found early pressure, banged in a protective tack and was then unchallenged.  Greening and Jago had a close race for second and third, with Greening covering Jago to the finish.  Whilst Simon Dobson managed to secure fourth place from a late charge up the last beat.

The fleet then retired to the Yacht Club terrace to bask in the late afternoon sun and drink beer.  All in all a far better day than the weather forecast naysayers prophesised.

By David Greening 

Photos Lucy Burn