Salcombe Yacht Club Spring Series - Day 3
by David Greening 1 Apr 2013 14:04 BST
31 March 2013
Having sailed for two weekends in Arctic conditions, the sailors in the Salcombe Yacht Club Spring Series came better prepared for the third race, only to be greeted by a light Easterly force 3 breeze, with the sun briefly showing itself from out of the early season gloom.
The nine strong Handicap Class was first away, whilst the regular front runners Peter Cook and Janet Exelby were running the racing, it was Andrew and Tristan Squire's turn to lead the fleet around the course, however the National 12 of Ballantine won on Handicap with the evergreen duo of Gilson and Spencer-Chapman in their Salcombe Yawl finishing second, consolidating their lead in the series.
Within the fleet, a group of four Laser Radials, being raced by former SYC cadet sailors, were led home by Tom Morris.
Handicap Class Results:
1st National 12, Pete Ballantine & Theo Harris
2nd Salcombe Yawl 170, Geoff Gilson & Chris Spencer-Chapman
3rd Merlin Rocket, Andy & Tristan Squire
The Solo fleet start was a less well behaved affair, the 18 boats crowded at the Portlemouth shore for their first start, but too many were premature resulting in a General Recall. The subsequent start was held under a black flag, meaning that any early starters would be disqualified.
Tim Law led the fleet off the restart and into the Bag. The fleet rafted up at Tosnos Point, as the easterly wind faded behind Halwell Woods, giving several poor starters, including series leader Paul Ellis a "get out of jail card", Tim maintained his position which he extended a considerable lead which he kept to the winning gun.
Ian Stewart led the pursing pack, but without having a crew to keep his boat in order, became entangled with a rope, and capsized whilst gybing off Snapes Point, allowing Ellis to pull through to second.
Solo Results:
1st 5315, Tim Law
2nd 5297, Paul Ellis
3rd 5301, David Greening
Next weekend will be a busy one at Salcombe Yacht Club looks with the Merlin Rocket fleet visiting for their two day Silver Tiller open meeting and the start of the SYC Cruiser Series in the Range.