Barratt Homes Plymouth Race Week 2011 - Day 1
by Charlotte Brett 8 Jul 2011 11:29 BST
7-10 July 2011
Despite the unpromising forecast, the first day of racing was in champagne conditions with sunshine and a steady breeze of around 15 knots; Commodore Chris Arscott was extremely pleased and commented that today couldn’t have gone any better. Most fleets have had some surprisingly consistent results.
On course 1 the Seascape fleet was dominated by Jochem Visser counting two bullets; local boat Pete Wanstall also had a consistent day with two second places. There is all to play for tomorrow with three boats tied in third place, each with 9 points. This event forms the Seascape National Championships.
Toe in the Water’s J80 Big Toe, helmed by Sam Thompson dominated their fleet scoring two firsts, followed by Adam James’ Joie De Vivre with two second places.
The overall Sportsboat fleet is made up of the open Sportsboat class, J80s and the Seascapes; the top three boats have scored very consistently with Jochem Visser with 2 firsts, Adam Littlejohn in an Open 5.7 with 2 seconds and Pete Wanstall with 2 thirds.
There was close racing in the J24 fleet with Jamie Watts and Daryl Conyers both tied in first place each with a first and second. Adrian Bennett and Steve Wassall are also tied in 3rd place both posting a third and fourth today.
The IRC and MOCRA fleets faced tricky conditions on Course 2, with a sharp chop at the top end of the beat once the boats left the protection afforded by the breakwater. In IRCA John Allen’s Antix posted 2 firsts followed by Nick and Annie Haigh’s Dark and Steamy with 2 second places. Jasper Crips’ A35 Ayala followed closely behind with 2 thirds.
In IRC, Fingulf 333 Rainmaker scored a second and a first leaving them first overall at the end of today, Rainmaker has come from the Royal Northern Ireland Yacht Club and owner Dave Allen was very happy with today’s consistent results and fantastic sailing conditions. Neil Trathen’s Laser 28 Elusive is hot on their heels also posting a first and second today.
The MOCRA Nationals were only able to get one race in today, and Simon Baker in Drama Queen had a comfortable win ahead of Matt Baker in second and Rupert Kidd in third.
Back at the race marquee, tonight sees the Help for Heroes Charity Auction followed by live music from local band Rhythm Machine; with the sun still shining this looks set to be a fantastic evening. All the sailors are looking forward to the windier conditions forecast for tomorrow.
Full results can be found here.