505 Nationals at Lymington Town Sailing Club

High wind action for the 505 nationals in Lymington © Richard Phillips

High wind action for the 505 nationals in Lymington © Richard Phillips

High wind action for the 505 nationals in Lymington © Richard Phillips

40 International 505s arrived at Lymington Town Sailing Club on Wednesday evening with the hope that the forecast was wrong, but unfortunately it turned out to be spot on.

Two races per day were planned with the first race scheduled for 1300 on Thursday 3rd July. As the fleet launched and set off down the river and into the Solent the 3-4 forecast was clearly understated as the wind built and built. Racing got underway 30 minutes later than scheduled with Charlie Walters/Dougal Cram as the Gate boat. As the fleet made its way up the beat conditions worsened as the tide changed against the wind direction. This created extremely difficult conditions that started to take its toll. By the end of the race the wind had risen to 29 knots with even the leading boats deciding that their kites were better off remaining in their chutes. 5 broken masts, 3 broken booms and 2 spinnaker poles was the toll as only 14 finished the race. As the fleet tallied off to a complementary beer its spirits were high as tools, fittings and expertise were shared to ensure that all boats were ready for the following day. That evening after the daily prize giving, the first social took place in the clubhouse and it soon became apparent that LTSC were going to be excellent hosts.

Friday dawned bringing sunshine and a plan for three races. It is unusual for the fleet to hold three races in a day, but the forecast of gales over the weekend made it essential to ensure that enough races were held to validate the championship. Conditions were pleasant, but very variable with the breeze building and moving throughout the afternoon.

The excellent hospitality enjoyed at LTSC was further enhanced during the 505 dinner held in the clubroom that evening. Charlie Walters did a sterling job with the daily prize giving and the night carried on late into the evening with nearly the whole fleet in attendance.

The class AGM was held early on Saturday, which was interrupted with the news that sailing for the day was abandoned due to the 30+ knot winds. LTSC kindly produced a list of local activities available and very soon competitors were either working on their boats or visiting the local tourist attractions.

Unfortunately, Sunday saw conditions worsen with winds being recorded at 49 Knots and so the prize giving was brought forward to 11.30am.

The British 505 fleet now has two remaining UK fixtures this year, Shotley on the 26th and 27th July and Torbay 23rd – 25th August before the years finale' at the Worlds in Palermo, Sicily in October.

More information on the Lymington Town Sailing Club website.

Overall Results: