First Winter Race 09
Winter Race Series – One. 22nd November 2009Sunday 22nd, we arrived at the Duck pond, it was blowing a good 20kts SW. That was the course racing off. We decided on a downwind slalom.
As promised Mark Taylors write up.
Down Wind Slalom
An early Sunday morning start at the Duck pond saw 20 knots plus for the first of the Winter Race Days…… the knots plus bit was enough to blow anchored sails and boards from the grass rigging area, over the trees and into the estuary…. enough said.
The idea of course racing was quickly abandoned and a five leg down wind slalom course was set with the start line out nearer the main channel.
Race one saw Carl Sawyer gain a quick lead on the first leg with the inconsistent and gusty winds favouring the lighter sailor, Mark Briggs and Alex Burgess followed and battled it out at close quarters around the first gybe mark, Sawyer remained in control to the finish line with Burgess in second.
Race two favoured Sawyer again and he took an early lead but dropping his gybe at the first mark saw Burgess take control and with a strong gust accelerate into the distance, only a decrease in wind speed saw the heavier sailor drop off the plane allowing Sawyer yet again to squeeze past on the final leg.
With the wind moderating, race three was again dominated by Carl Sawyer on the higher volume Starboard Sonic 100 board but saw Briggs show an impressive turn of reaching speed to catch and sail past Burgess and take second place.
Apres race included Tea, coffee and Donna’s scones - a real treat back at the shop. All agreed it was a great way to spend Sunday morning, the next race is on the 6th December… see you there.
Overall Results: 1st Carl Sawyer (Starboard/North) 2ndAlex Burgess (Starboard/Tushingham) 3rdMark Briggs (Starboard/Tushingham)
