Inevitably the wind was light and fluky, giving the IRC and PY classes two beats in a row as the wind went left, and a decisive run as the wind then went right again. This year's 'new kids on the block' quitted themselves well - Andy Campbell-Watson's new Corby 'Foxed2' immediately showed her potential in the light airs, winning the IRC class on her first outing, while Rick Mead's 'Crystal Voyager' chose the starboard tack option on the second beat to J, which favoured her massively when the breeze filled back in, giving her a hefty five-minute advantage over Ricky Bruton's 'Effusion' at the finish.
Seen aboard 'Crystal Voyager' - the unique sight of Neil Prince, practising for being back in the Caribbean by actually wearing shorts over here!
In the Squibs, Sailing Secretary Simon Vines, with Jill Vines crewing, chose the starboard option away from the line, managing, on a very fluky inshore course, to take line honours at the finish from Commodore Mark Bugler and crew Rima Bugler.
Steve Fraser
Submitted on 4th October 2011