Lymington Town SC Wednesday Evening Points Series - Race 4

‘Merlin's Rocket’, Marc Malanaphy, Simon Cake & Merlin Malanaphy, during Lymington Town Wednesday Evening Points Series race 4 © Alastair Beeton

Clive Taylor and Darran Stokes during Lymington Town Wednesday Evening Points Series race 4 © Alastair Beeton

Wayfarers battle it out in high winds

Strong winds of around 23 knots greeted the fourth race of the LTSC Wednesday evening points series. Race officer Mike Beggs set a short course for those few who dared to venture out.

Tig Williams, the only entrant for the fast fleet in his RS600, rocketed down the river to 'Black and Orange' before returning to the line. Undeterred he then resurrected the 'Jack and Back Challenge' and completed a run to 'Jack in the Basket' post and back in just 16 minutes 24 seconds to set the target for the year.

The medium fleet saw 2 entrants cross the line to follow a similar course. Line honours were taken by Henry Collings in his Laser 4.7 after Jude Massey and Luke Thurston, in their 420, retired before reaching the first mark.

There was an exciting dual between the two Wayfarers who braved the conditions. Having a slightly longer course that included a leg to the windward mark and then to 'Jack in the Basket' the boats sparred with each other all the way, resulting in some close port/starboard situations. Spinnakers were not needed as the boats planed up the river on their return. The race was eventually won by Marc Malanaphy in 'Merlins Rocket' his young son Merlin and crew Simon Cake, with Clive Taylor and Darran Stokes in 'Gipfel Sturmer' a gallant second.

Race 4 Results:

Fast Fleet
1st Tig Williams, RS600

Medium Fleet
1st Henry Collings, Laser 4.7

Wayfarers
1st Marc Malanaphy
2nd Clive Taylor