Saturday, 2 November 2024

As I Saw It (and remembered it!)

The fleet continues to be decimated by crew and skipper injuries unfortunately with only 3 boats making it to the start line this week meaning podiums all-round.

Conditions were ideal with an easing 15kt ESE’er that tended left all afternoon and a swift ebbing tide.

Mal on Athena got off to a soggy start when he was catapulted off the foredeck as they were leaving the dock, ignominiously collected by one of the clubs tenders and deposited back on board.

Race 1 saw Rapscallion take a controlling position to weather of Athena and The Project shortly after the start and at the top they led by ½ dozen lengths from Athena with The Project a similar distance further back. A late and less than ideal gybe on Athena saw The Project get past ½ way down the run. The remainder of the race saw Rapscallion extend to have a comfortable win. The racing remained close between The Project and Athena with Gary and crew doing enough to cross 17 seconds ahead of Helen and her Athena crew.

One would think that with only 3 boats on the line starting shouldn’t be too problematic but in Race 2 a left shift and with the tide pushing along the line towards the pin, Rapscallion had to gybe out from the pin end in the last few seconds and start behind on port. Athena also misjudged their timing and had to re-round the pin in order to get a clean start. The Project were also right there at the pin but managed to get a tack in as the gun went to lead off the line on port. They swapped the lead with Rapscallion several times on the first part of the beat before the Rappers got control and had a comfortable lead at the top.

With the breeze having settled further left, the remainder of the race didn’t present any passing opportunities leaving Rapscallion to take their second bullet of the day with The Project taking their second second and Athena grabbing the last spot.

Well done to The Project for taking handicap honours in both races, now making it 4 in a row – there may need to be a word to the handicapping committee about this 😊.

Thanks to The Project crew for post race snacks.

See you all next week.

(The author accepts no responsibilities for any inaccuracies, distortions of the truth or outright lies.)