Hamble River SC Wednesday Night B Series Race 6
Published 21:00 on 20 Aug 2014
Yet again the wind gods sent us a North Westerly presenting a challenge to RO Jamie Wilkinson, given the limited number of mark available for course setting in Southampton waters. The wind was fairly gusty at first although settling later with high tide just after racing started. Jamie Wilkinson sent the XODs and smaller boats on two circuits to Cat Head with Bald Head and then a closer laid mark as their leeward marks whilst the bigger boats in Classes 1 & 2 were given a longer beat to Hamble Cliff with a subsequent shorter leg to Cats Head.
For once the individual recall flag was in frequent use. The XODs were in the starting blocks first but with some nine XODS out to play the start line was highly competitive and three boats were called over with one, X166 Swallow (Simon Russell) failing to return. Swallow later filed a protest disputing the decision which jeopardises her joint first place in the series. Class 3 turned in a better behaved start although a couple of boats in Class 2 looked perilously close but managed to hold back at the last minute. In Class 1 with consistency both 1720s were over although Wee Bear (Chudziak, Horner & Malas) erroneously came back with a split opinion amongst the crew as to whether they had been the culprits or not. The 1720s had to be radioed and Wight Hare (Derek & Chris Hand) clearly thought the round the ends rule applied whilst Midnight Cowboy (Steph Merry) gained an advantage by just properly clearing the line.
The courses took all the boats right past the committee boat on the down wind legs which made for enjoyable viewing whilst the fleet progressed round the course. The earlier nights and cooler temperatures are beginning to creep in and the few racing crew still in shorts won considerable respect from the committee boat volunteers. Although the courses did not cross Southampton waters tidal considerations took many boats out into the deeper waters on a night with more traffic than has been seen all season during Wednesday night racing! A number of boats elected not to fly kites despite the windward leeward course and paid the price in the results as those braving spinnakers pulled away. In the XOD fleet X84 Nanette (Keith Hughes) finally made it out whilst X96 Fantasy (Claire Pymm & Paul Jones) appeared under proud new ownership.
The XOD fleet leaders maintained the same places around the course with Satu (Andy Hamlett) taking 1st place from Nanette and then La Mouette (Ken Williamson) and the placings subject to the protest hearing to be held next week which will have an impact on the overall series leader. In Class 3 Cockleshell (Jonty Sherwill) led by miles both on the water and on corrected with Starfall (Adrian Hull) in second place and Forethought of Gosport (Mike James) in 3rd. In Class 2 Anne Louise pulled off 1st place on handicap but the windage of Ken’s unshaven chin clearly cost Dino Volante (Vigar, North & Myden) who had to settle for 3rd place with Needlework (Patrick Pymm & Peter Smith) taking 2nd. In Class 1 the Meakins family turned out en masse for bring Festina Lente burning through the finish line well in advance of the competition with La Nef (John Noe) taking 2nd and Wee Bear, despite her return to the start line in 3rd place. Despite the nights drawing in everyone made it home before dark although a few later boats went for navigation lights and a good night was had by all back at the Clubhouse.
With just two more races in the series time is running out to try a night on the water. Wednesday night racing is free to members but all new comers are invited to come and try an evening for free. Those looking to crew do contact the office and it has been great to see a number of new crew who recently have joined the Club. Full details on the Hamble River SC website so come and break up the week with a dose of sea air each Wednesday evening. All new boats are invited to join the fleet back in the Clubhouse for supper afterwards and those members with boats who haven’t made it out on the water yet - get your friends together for a fun race.
Article Lis Robinson
Photos Oliver Love
Last updated 10:20 on 9 April 2025
