Bembridge Redwing & One-Design Racing on 28th September 2024
by Laurence Blackburn 30 Sep 13:15 BST
28-29 September 2024
Bembridge Keelboat final weekend of September racing © Mike Samuelson
Saturday 28th September 2024
In what transpired to be the last races of the season for the Redwings and One Designs we were blessed with glorious autumnal sunshine and a fresh breeze (force 3 - 4) from the NW. Given the next day's predicted forecast the race team were conscious that the sailors wanted to make the most of the conditions and tide available.
Redwings Race 1 - Course - Drum, Britten, Undertyne x3, shortened to 2 rounds
Two Redwings, No 11 (Toucan, Colin Samuelson) and No 20 (Tara, Mike Toogood) were sent off around the cans with a good start from both boats; however it was clear that by the end of the first lap, Toucan had pulled out a considerable lead and continued to extend it by opting to head inshore on the windward leg to catch the best of the tide.
Redwings Race 2 - Course, Derrick, Fitzwilliam, Drum & Pepe
At the start of the second race, No 20 attempted to push No 11 over the line, however, Colin was wise enough to stay on the correct side of the line and both boats got away cleanly, albeit only after No 20 had to gybe around to avoid collision.
It was a similar story to the first race No 11 pulled out a lead early on and remained ahead throughout the race finishing the race and the season at Pepe.
One-Designs Race 1 - Drum, Britten, Undertyne x 2
During the initial start sequence, the race committee were forced to AP as No 2 (Martin Bonham) developed a rigging issue that was subsequently sorted and meant the race committee could re start the sequence with all five One-Designs in the race. No 2 subsequently lead the first lap after making an excellent port hand flyer.
On the second lap No 5 (Susie Beart) managed to overtake No 2 through careful strategy and take the winning gun on the line at E. Nos 4 (Alexander Ross), 8 (Charles Perry) & 2 were close together at the finish and No 9 (D Orange) was not too fair behind. All in all, a very close race.
One-Design BODs Race 2 - Britten, Fitzwilliam, Drum & Pepe (shortened to Britten, Fitzwilliam, Nainby & Pepe)
Only three One-Designs stayed to compete in the final race. Nos 8 (Charles) & 4 (Alexander) made a good getaway on the line with No 2 (Roy Burrows) a few seconds behind.
They made good progress towards Britten, however the race team decided that as the wind was dropping and the tide was getting stronger shortening the course would benefit everyone, which proved to be the case.
Charles & Alexander were nip and tuck all the way around with No 8 taking the winning gun at Pepe.
A fantastic end to the BSC keelboat season and with the forecast enough to put everyone off, at 09:10 on Sunday morning N over A was displayed! We look forward to having the Illusion class back again on Saturday 5th October.