31.7s in the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series - Week 3
by Andy Phelps 29 Mar 2006 07:37 BST
26 March 2006
With the forecast mentioning 40 knot gusts, the 31.7s approached the start of race 3 of the Warsash Spring Series with a universally conservative choice of #3 headsails.
Racing under IRC4, Manaru and Whistler had the best starts at the committee boat end of the line. Tai Pan had a reasonable mid line start, but with the 31.7s being rated at the bottom of IRC4 she was soon overtaken and had to tack off for clear air. Slightly rattled by a near collision on the start line with a stubborn windward boat, Electra sailed free and fast a bit too much and was down on the leaders by 20 lengths before the first tack.
Working up the middle of the course Tai Pan rounded the windward mark in first place, but spoiled the moment slightly by hoisting her spinnaker on its side. Having gone left into the deeper water and favourable tide, Electra managed to claw back some of her early loss and rounded the mark in second place, followed by Whistler and Manaru.
Tai Pan, now with a correctly hoisted spinnaker lead the way down a long tight reach to the first leeward mark. Electra was again trying to get the best of the tide and was sailing in shallower water 20 meters to leeward of the line taken by Tai Pan and Whistler. This was to cost her dear as the wind proved to be very fluky and she sailed into a wind hole, while the other boats continued to power along to windward of her.
By the leeward mark, Tai Pan had consolidated her lead with Whistler and Electra now racing in close company. Whistler managed to sneak in front at one mark rounding, only to lose out by a narrow margin at the next being caught on the outside and having to gybe for the rounding..
On the penultimate leg, Whistler and Electra were again neck and neck running downwind when Electra gybed away to gain a better angle to the mark. Whistler looked like she would now make the mark ahead, however she was unable to call water on Electra and rounded just behind.
The beat to the line was just too short for places to exchange further. A great race - well done to the crew of Tai Pan.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Type | Sail No | Boat Name | Helm |
|---|
| 1st | 31.7 | GBR 6991T | Tai Pan | David Jobson |
| 2nd | 31.7 | GBR 8198T | Electra | Andy Phelps |
| 3rd | 31.7 | GBR 7592T | Whislter | Mark Lloyd |