2014 Helly Hansen Winter Series - Sunday 13th July

After weather conditions and storm damage from the opening race date, conditions were an absolute contrast. The flare practice was very well behaved with participants adhering reasonably to the permit conditions. It may surprise many that each time we hold such a practice, the water police can receive 100 calls or more from shore. While particularly sorry for inconveniencing concerned public, they should be congratulated for reporting what could be an emergency otherwise. It demonstrates the level of civic duty that exists and we should all be glad that if we are in an unfortunate situation, there are people out there that we can rely on.

Race 1 was conducted in very light conditions varying from about 1 kt up to 4. A lousy slop made the southwards tack a nightmare. It seemed that a better breeze out to the west was responsible coupled with a fairly strong tide (full moon and all that), however the sun shone and while it was pleasant it played with the wind direction somewhat. Entertainment was provided by an aircraft towing a sign-Happy Birthday Nat, I luv U- to and fro across Brighton Beach for a while. Isn’t love grand! The race had to be shortened to comply with the sailing directions time limit. XLR8 Ray Shaw and TERRA FIRMA Nicholas Bartels ghosted up to the finish and others had a relatively strengthening breeze to 6 kts to help them home. The results board shows a very diverse podium of placegetters across the various divisions and handicap systems.

Race 2 was as orderly as Race 1 with clear but very close starts in 7 kts which reached a max of 9 during the event. Conditions were ideal with the sea in better state and not so much shifting although cloud was inconsistent. Quite a bit of rain was falling further south but thankfully did not come up our way. The breeze was more from the south also which presented cold. There was plenty of action from contestants however and I suspect there was more perspiration than cold. The fleets spread out a bit but rules were tested at the marks with some close encounters. In the event, TERRA FIRMA blitzed all and sundry to finish as a clear leader with the gun. Similarly ARCHIE-Simon Bell & Jeff Sloan- had a great race in Div. B but as in race 1, many contenders placed across the podium and handicap systems. A lot of effort rewarded today-RH

For all results click HERE