Sunday 22nd December 2019, 11:30am, Autumn Series Race 7

Written by Chris Clark

A most satisfying race after prior cancellations and a big Race Series win for Vision.	

As skippers and sailing crews assembled for the last race of the year, the overcast slightly drizzling, and windless conditions gave rise to the thought, "Oh no, not another cancellation".  But having had several races abandoned in recent weeks, there was a real desire to make something of it, so an excellent 13-yacht turnout sailed to the start point in the flat calm.  

Thankfully, the weather changed almost in a flash, the clouds broke up, a weak wintry sun shone through lighting up the town with a subdued incandescence, and an inconsistent and directionless  breeze flowed.  At the yachts sailed away from the staggered start on the short Course 'L', buoys 3 (North of the harbour, 5 (Circuit centre), and 8 (adjacent Grand Hotel) over two laps, some were heeling and making good way, others almost becalmed, drifting in the southerly current.  Short minutes later the picture would reverse, sails filling, 'beware of swinging boom' orders issued, and speeds rising to 7 - 9 knots.  One thing it takes a new crew member time to appreciate is how fast things can go awry at sea, and a sailor can never drop their guard.

There were no retirements, all vessels returned safely, and apart from the chilly weather and frozen fingers, the feeling was universally one of satisfaction.

Top billings go to IRC Class racers Bee Sharp 1st and Vision 2nd, but with Vision, (who readers may remember was the only vessel to complete a wind-free race several weeks ago) the masters of racing in the lightest airs, winning the Autumn race series in style.  

Results were:

IRC - International Rating Certificate

1. Bee Sharp, a Sonata owned by Jimmy Cliff
2. Vision, 2nd and overall Race 7 series winner, an SJ 329 owned by
3. Kassy,  a Hydro owned by

Class 707

1. Black Sheep, a Hunter 707 owned by
2. A Grand Day Out, a Hunter 707 owned by 
3. Miss Moneypenny, a Hunter 707 owned by

SYC

1. Dash, a Sadler 34 deep keel owned by Martin Donnelly
2. Takaza, an ETAP 28I, owned by,
3. Little Jeannie, a Van de Stadt Vita owned by Kelvin Robertson


Images:

i) Takaza overtaking Little Jeannie
ii) Takaza crew member Sapphire Thraves accepts 2nd place Pennant