2025 Medway Yacht Club Cruiser Spring Series - Race 2

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 2 © Martin Godden

The advance weather outlook for the second of the Medway Yacht Club Cruiser Class Spring Series on Sunday 27th April was favourable from a temperature standpoint, less favourable from a wind standpoint. With the various forecasts varying significantly in terms of strength and direction, albeit a consensus of not very much at all.

As competitors gathered on the morning itself, some over a club coffee and bacon roll, the light overnight fog was fighting a losing battle with the morning sun and there was indications of some limited breeze out on the water.

Why Not? - Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 2 - photo © Ben Passmore

A course involving an upriver start from the club line was set with various options to shorten course at buoy 34 and beyond should the need arise.

Some dozen boats gathered on the start line readying themselves for the 10am start. With the spring tide flooding at full strength there was some judgement to be made as to how far downriver to motor ahead of the preparatory signal. On top of that further judgement was required as to when to turn upriver and start the charge for the line. In the event the entire fleet was a boat length or two away from the line when the start horn sounded.

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 2 - photo © Ben Passmore

First away was Countdown, Chips and Toucan. Chips immediately launched their kite and accelerated into an early lead. Countdown and Toucan followed. As the fleet ghosted up river Aquila started to make their way through the fleet from their very conservative start through to the front bunch.

Opposite the Royal Engineers jetty, the wind started to play games and thereafter came from pretty much every direction except the West. At various time boats were flat running, gybing and on the wind. The challenge was to find the best of the current and to mode change for each new wind direction. Many spinnakers were launched and recovered a number of times.

Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 2 - photo © Ben Passmore

Aquila made their way into the lead followed by Chips, Countdown and Why Not? Approaching the Sun Pier corner the current said go left, the breeze said go right. In the close the current played the stronger hand and those who went left gained.

The course was shortened at buoy 34. According to the self-reported finish times on the water Chips finished first, followed by Aquila, Countdown and Why Not? By then the breeze had filled in a few clicks and the rest of the fleet were able to finish in short order.

In all a great morning out, beautiful weather and the opportunity to race past the historic dockyard and on an area of the river less regularly enjoyed.

Chips - Medway YC Cruiser Spring Series race 2 - photo © Ben Passmore

Race 2 Results: