Easter Bunny Race

Good Friday dawned sunny with a light SE breeze, although something stronger from the east was promised.

Six boats lined up for the 10am start from the club line, which was contested, with Dolphin luffing Firebird who decided to start flying their spinnaker. Once the initial argy bargy was concluded, Firebird and Imptish took an inshore route, whereas Starchick and Dolphin hoisted their kites and headed further offshore, with My Gal and Maggie bringing up the rear. Imptish conservatively leaving the spinnaker in its bag took the sightseeing route up the coast to see Hayburn Wyke, Beast Cliff and Ravenscar, whilst the 3 leading boats tried to avoid gybing with their spinnakers.

A relatively quick passage to Whitby Bell Buoy was made, with Firebird taking only just over two and a half hours, and even the slowest boats having a quick passage of just over 3 hours.

Three boats entered Whitby for the night, whilst three returned, turning round at the Bell Buoy and returning home, initially against the strong tide Starchick, My Gal and Maggie heading home. Starchick had an uncomfortable return as the wind speed on the nose increased, and My Gal and Maggie resorted to their engines. Meanwhile in Whitby Dolphin, Imptish and Firebird spent the afternoon on the waiting pontoon, until the bridge to the marina upstream opened.

The crews entered the Easter Bunny theme of the race, courtesy of ears provided by Tracey.

Jimmy Bunny

Davey Bunny

Jonny Bunny (the ultimate bunny winner)

Malcy bunny

And the rest of the warren.

Friday evening was a gentle evening due to the early start needed to make the bridge out of Whitby and catch the tide back home.

The breeze on Sunday was fresher and cold from the east. With a lumpy sea 3 yachts tacked out to sea, Imptish coming up the rear due to sail hoisting issues in a lumpy sea. With the tide assisting, all boats managed a quick fetch home with Dolphin romping into the lead and completing the journey in under 3 hours to a very well deserved win. Followed by father and son combo on Firebird and then Imptish with Malcolm and Tracey shivering after a wet trip back. All in all a tiring but exciting 2 day race, I suspect all crews had an early night.

Well done to Dolphin and Jon aka Mr Bunny.