Sandbanks Brewery / Stoneways VPRS Two-Handed Mini Series in Poole Bay

Esprit 3 in the Sandbanks Brewery / Stoneways VPRS Two-Handed Mini Series in Poole Bay © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

A strong fleet of 22 yachts from Poole Yacht Racing Association (PYRA) entered the Stoneways VPRS Two Handed series, organised by the Royal Motor Yacht Club and forming part of the club's annual regatta on Saturday 3rd June.

With three back-to-back races planned in the stunning Poole Bay, entrants were welcomed with glorious sunshine. A light and variable South Easterly breeze created an immediate challenge for Andrew Pearce, the day's race officer. The first start was nevertheless on time with a windward leeward course for all classes across the Bay.

Combined classes Three and Four were set off first, with the MGC 27 'Minstral' breaking away, leaving the pack in hot pursuit. Classes Zero, One and Two followed with Elan 333 'Esprit III' making a break for the lead.

The second race saw a 30-degree wind shift, to keep the race management team on their toes. With most of the fleet almost becalmed at the windward mark, the fickle conditions suddenly switched again with the wind filling back in to 10 knots plus. The lighter conditions seemed to favour the Beneteau First 21.7 'Piccolo' over the much larger Dehler 36 ' Ceres' who had until then dominated Class Four.

Once again, 'Esprit III' and 'Minstral' dominated their respective classes.

QT in the Sandbanks Brewery / Stoneways VPRS Two-Handed Mini Series in Poole Bay - photo © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

With the wind building the third and final race was run, taking all fleets South out to sea on a windward leg, then back towards the Poole Swash Channel.

In Classes Three and Four it was the Ecume de Mer 'QT' that broke away, enjoying the increased pressure, closely followed by 'Ceres'. 'Esprit III' was to repeat their performance in Class One ending with three bullets as was the Impala 'Parallel Universe' in Class Two.

Following a challenging day of fantastic close racing in all manner of conditions, competitors made their way back to the sun-drenched terrace at Poole's, Royal Motor Yacht Club for a well-earned beer thanks to Stoneways Marine and more to take home courtesy of local brewers; the Sandbank Brewery.

A selection of photographs has kindly been provided by David Harding of Sailing Scenes, and there is also a wider gallery of the event.

Genesis in the Sandbanks Brewery / Stoneways VPRS Two-Handed Mini Series in Poole Bay - photo © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

Class 0 Results:

Class 1 Results:

Class 2 Results:

Class 3 Results:

Class 4 Results: