Winter Series Race 3 - Fast Handicap

Published 18:58 on 10 Nov 2024

Eight double-handers lined up on Saturday for the third instalment of the Fast Handicap Winter Series. The pre-start conditions looked promising, with an anticipated 10-knot E-NE breeze. However, any hopes for steady winds were quickly dashed as the breeze faded soon after the start.

Race officer Andy Savell took advantage of the high tide, sending the fleet on a long first beat up to mark 4. This was followed by an extended downwind leg to Blackstone which, despite the ebb tide, felt interminable. The race then continued with a leg to Crossways before the fleet finished on a downwind leg as the wind weakened further.

John and Frankie Burn, sailing their Merlin Rocket, led the fleet up to mark 4. However, Frances Gifford and Fiona Cranford Smith, also in a Merlin, stayed close, poised to seize any opportunity. Their patience paid off on the way to Blackstone as they capitalised on the light conditions to overtake the Burn Merlin and pull ahead.

Frances and Fiona chose the Portlemouth shore for the beat back to Crossways, while John and Frankie opted to cross at Biddle Rocks, a move that rewarded them with slightly better breeze. Noticing the Burn Merlins progress, Frances and Fiona crossed at the Ferry landing to maintain their lead and cover their competitors.

Frances and Fiona went on to secure a well-deserved line honours and 1st place on corrected time.

Andrew and Sheila Squire, in their Albacore, proved their consistency in such conditions. They remained close to the Merlins throughout the race and managed to stay with John and Annie McLarens RS400 for much of the course. Their strong performance earned them 2nd place on corrected time, relegating John and Frankie to 3rd.

A fleet of five Lasers—comprising three Radials and two 4.7 rigs—joined the start alongside the fast handicap group. Greg Hoar once again demonstrated his expertise, leading the small fleet around the course. His daughter, Emily, was never far behind, gradually closing the gap but ultimately running out of time as the race was shortened. Both sailing with Radial rigs, Greg secured 1st place, with Emily taking 2nd.

Charlotte Simmonds earned 3rd place on corrected time in her 4.7 rig, followed by Adam Ryan-Carter and Sian Hodges in 4th and 5th places, respectively.

By John Burn

Photos Lucy Burn