The penultimate day of the O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors Autumn Regatta provided an exhilarating day of sailing for all fleets with a west/south west wind at times gusting over 20 knots and with sea conditions which saw water breaking off the Dutchman Rock off Fennell’s Bay. Many of the crews coming ashore had a tale to tell whether about a blown spinnaker, a spinnaker wrap, broaches, a gybe to weather, broken gear or incidents at a mark to name but a few. After last week’s light winds and strong tides one sailor was heard to remark to day after his experiences “ give me light winds any time”.
Race Officer David O’Brien on the harbour course made great use of the two new marks for Classes Zero, One and Two in Race 7 and used the advantage provided by these marks to give a slightly shorter course to the Class Two boats thus enabling a faster turn around to get Race 8 under way. In this race fun and games were had at the Ringabella mark for the big boats because it was a starboard turning mark resulting in mayhem and audible voice signals from the boats!!
Given the weather conditions Race Officer Richard Leonard decided to set up courses for all the other classes on the eastern bank starting Classes Three and Four on a windward/leeward course while the Whitesail fleet were given a course which took in a reach to No. 9.
Next weekend the final day of racing will take place on Saturday and competitors should note that the final race of the day will be non discardable.
Results available under cruisers and images can be seen on Bateman Gallery.
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