Anglesey Offshore Dinghy Race - Preview
by Peter Halliwell 4 Jul 2012 14:55 BST
5 August 2012
Action from the 2006 Anglesey Offshore Dinghy Race © Elaine Marsh /
www.fotoboat.com
The AODR, run by Red Wharf Bay Sailing and Watersports Club, returns to an Early August Date for 2012. On the 5th of August, a maximum of 120 boats will set off from the Royal Anglesey line at Beaumaris, to sail down the Menai, through Puffin Sound, and via several Marks, to Moelfre and back the Club line at Traeth Bychan. For the monohulls this will be about 15 miles. The multihulls will do an extra lap, making a race distance of some 30 miles.
Starting in view of Snowdon, passing Puffin Island, continuing along the rugged cliffs towards the sands of Red Wharf Bay, more cliffs to Traeth Bychan and Molefre, the course encompasses stunning scenery, and a chance to see Seals, Puffins, Porpoises and Dolphins (although these cannot be guaranteed).
There are one or two changes for this year. Recognising that both the course and the conditions may favour particular boats, the monohull fleet will be split into fast and slower handicap classes. In order to keep the fleet contained, the, the multis will have to pass through a special "gate" further off shore as they start their second "lap".
As in previous years, in addition to a number of perpetual prizes, and glass trophies, the fastest monohull on corrected time will win a new cover, provided by one of our sponsors, Rain and Sun. The proprietor of Rain and Sun sailed his Osprey in last year's event, and once again is offering his standard product for the class of the winning boat.
New for 2012 is sponsorship for the Multihull class by Powderama, a ski coaching school based in Chamonix. The winning crew will be entitled to free weekend courses for two, to be taken during the 20123 or 2013/4 ski seasons. The Director/Coach will be sailing a Laser 2000.
The Club thanks our third sponsor, Anglesey County Council, to whom we are grateful for their assistance at start and finish. Details of their work, in Welsh or English, may be found on their website.
Once again, the fleet will be led round the course by a lead powerboat, and this year the tides will provide plenty of beach at the finish on which competitors may land. Spectators can have a grandstand view as the fleet passes through Puffin Sound, and overviews of the fleet sailing across Benllech Bay may be seen from numerous points on the Island. Included in the entry fee are refreshments for helm and crew.
Full details are available on the club website, www.redwharfbaysc.co.uk