SYC Winter Series, R3 - Fast Handicap.

Published 17:57 on 8 Nov 2025

Competitors in the third race of the winter series were greeted by a lovely sunny mild day.

The wind was a rather fickle westerly, the tide a ferocious 5.2 metres and there was more weed in the estuary than in Brixton on a Saturday night. Most of the fleet were suitably line shy except for yawl 150 who was caught out, and by the time he had recrossed the line his race was over.

The first mark was Millbay, Race Officer, Esther McLartey, sensibly keeping us away from Blackstone and the bar. A run back against the tide would normally cause bunching up and place changing but oddly the fleet stretched out and the front runners generally got the best of the breeze.

After rounding Snapes it was really just follow my leader. In the light breeze the fast boats didn't have a chance to stretch away and yawls duly took the first three places.

A lovely day out on the water and warm enough to sit out on the terrace afterwards. You can't ask for much more in November