Shearwater TT at Shearwater Sailing Club

16 Shearwaters arrived at one of their favourite venues for the first of the 2005 TT series. The club, though small is always friendly and welcoming. Sailing at this venue has to be completed two hours either side of high water which leaves little leeway should the weather prove unfavourable as it did on Saturday morning with average wind speeds of 22 knots and gusts nearer 30.

Shearwaters perform well in stronger winds and we did not hesitate when the club laid the course. 14 Cats took to the water and crossed the start line all thinking that the wind would ease as the race progressed but all 14 were wrong, the wind strength increased and one by one they returned to shore many being knocked down more than once by violent gusts.

Only 5 boats finished the first race and I think they deserve a special mention: Take 5, Think pink, New Flame, Space Odyssey and Freebird.With Genesis always in contention.

The second race of the day was abandoned as gusts of 45 knots roared across the water from the North East flattening boats and tents alike.

The one good thing about an abandoned race is that it leaves more time to fix boats and drink! To be an accomplished Shearwater sailor you need to excel in both of these disciplines.

Sunday arrived bright and clear with the winds averaging 18 knots and the sea dead flat.

All 16 boats went out for the two back to back races in near perfect Shearwater conditions. The racing, as ever was very close throughout the fleet with all boats contesting a better position as they sped across the finishing line.

The final positions for the TT saw Think Pink first followed by Take 5, Genesis, Space Odyssey and UFO.

Roll on Pagham!

Overall Results: