Yet again our British Weather played a significant part in the weekends events.
On Saturday , sailors readied themselves for another race of the Spring Series , only to find the lack of sufficient wind , coupled with serious beach surf scuppered their launches. The race officer cancelled the race on safety grounds.
On Sunday , the surf was manageable , whilst force 4, gusting 5 plus wind limited the sailors to the very brave. With one RHIB support vessel , 4 dinghies signed on to tackle the conditions. Only 2 boats took to the water. A course of 4 marks was the challenge, incorporating a sizeable “run “ , the most unstable section beside the gybe mark.
Richard Bratton , Europe , coped magnificently, some how hanging on when gusts sprung from know where, and he completed the race ahead of his competitor.
And that was Flo’ Wright and Arne Lovius, sailing a Dart 16A Cat’. Normally storming round the course , the strong Nor-Westerley caught them out twice , leading to capsizes. Much lost time , and very cold fingers, left Richard to make it home first.
A great demonstration of seamanship by the Europe sailor.
Now we are hoping for more accommodating weather for four days of sail racing over Easter, and Easter Egg rewards.