Poole Yacht Racing Association - Clipper Marine Two-handed Series
by Keith Lovett 7 Jul 2014 14:47 BST
6 July 2014
Bright sunshine and 8 – 10 knot WNW winds welcomed the Poole Yacht Racing fleet to Poole Bay on Sunday 6th July for a series of three 'back to back' two handed races under the management of the Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Racing in two fleets, classes three and four were first away with a beat to the edge of Hook Sands, the X412 'Blue Extasy' leading the way. With classes one and two following the Elan 410 'Esprit' was to lead. Following a frenetic hour of racing a windward leeward course the fleet leaders had remained unchanged however 'Esprit' had not saved their time on the Match 35 'Haven KJ Firestarter', which was to win Class One, 'Mojito' in Class Two, 'Shebean' Class Three and 'Blue Extasy' in Class four.
With the wind tracking to the South and increasing, the race officer was forced to swing his course. In classes three and four a repeat of both running order and results transpired. In classes one or two it was the Elan 333 'Aquila' that was to win the start and lead the fleet, with the larger Elan 410 only breaking through close to the windward mark and the Match 35 taking most of the next leg to overtake then break consistent cover. The Match 35 was however eventually able to pull away and secure a second win with 'Mojito picking up first place in class two.
The wind having now swung to a true South Westerly and increased to 18 to 20 knots crews had their hands full for the final race. Classes three and four were to again repeat the 'Blue Extasy' and 'Shebean' respective class winners.
In class one and two the fleet punched out to sea with just two boats tacking deep into Poole Bay; 'Addict' and 'Haven KJ Firestarter' able to pick up a lee bow when they tacked to lay the windward mark each boat was able to lead their respective classes, positions held to the finish.
A Pimms party followed at Poole's; Royal Motor Yacht Club courtesy of the events kind Sponsor, Clipper Marine. Freddy Keates of Clipper rightfully awarded prizes to the crews (rather than owners or helms) following some fantastic Poole Bay racing.
Class One:
1st Haven KJ Firestarter.
2nd Esprit.
3rd Aquila.
Class Two:
1st Mojito.
2nd Addict.
3rd Green Magnum.
Class Three:
1st Shebean.
2nd – Trapeze.
3rd Fraid S'eau.
Class Four:
1st Blue Extasy.
2nd Quadrophenia.