So a glorious day for yachting – who was up for a great Saturday Series after the previous two.
At the start area 2 boats (usual suspects) gathered (Z54 & Z75), but Z75 had a guest on the helm, John Hartley.
With the course decided – MB(p)-KB(p)-BT(s)-SS(fin). Z54 took the honours to be gate. Wait a minute, looks like another Victory appearing at the Harbour Entrance. After delaying the start and
understanding that Z73 had come out for “RACE TRAINING” and was not going to race, Z54 opened the start gate at KB Boats (KB).
Z75 split tacks at the start with Z54 heading towards the shore at Spithead. Both boats decided to try and gain some tidal advantage at Gilkicker. Z54 leading the way and extending their lead to 8 lengths. Z75 pushed South into the main channel, tacking on shifts, the two boats swapped tacks with Z54’s lead only reducing slightly. Z75 tacked on the Starboard layline at Motherbank (MB) first with Z54 just tacking in front, leading by a couple of lengths. A smart hoist by both crews at the mark, then a deep run back to KB. Z54 going deeper, but Z75 gaining slightly on the lulls (thanks to great steering (JH) and kite trim (MR)).
At Gilkicker the lead had changed with Z75 arriving at the next mark just half a length ahead of Z54. Z75 then covered Z54 on the next beat but misjudged the layline slightly at Baker Trayte(BT).So the final run to the finish, first z54 tried to sail deeper to gain some leverage, but than resorted to a final attack covering the wind on Z75. Z75 held its slender lead to the finish.
What a race, a long Solent race, nearly two hours with the boats finishing within six seconds and hardly more than a few lengths between them for the whole race!
Beers were enjoyed at the PSC bar, with JH enjoying his first victory race for a while (I don’t believe him)!!
Thanks to Geoff and his crew for a great day sailing!!!
Scam
(P.S. Jim Page - you could have started the race then RTD/DNS - which I believe is better points than a DNC)