2009 Autumn Series»2009-11-07
Saturday 7th November saw the start of the RPCYC Autumn Series with 30 dinghies of the 37 entered racing in squally conditions.
The First race saw the fast Handicap fleet sail a windward leg to Ash followed by a run back to West Mallard with the asymmetric Dinghy reaching at warp speeds especially Graham McCloud who did a fantastic job to keep his Hobie Tiger the right way up !!
Rod Boswijk & Sharon Binney revelled in the conditions to take first place in their B14 with John Bower’s Phantom in second place ahead of Kieron & Betsy Kennedy who were literally flying in their Kestral.
The Slow Handicap fleet had 23 starters & they sailed a similar course with the windward mark being NW Winter with a run back to West Mard & a short reach to South Mallard.
The series has attracted a good number of laser sailors who dominated the race with close racing throughout the six laps they completed. Dan Ellis took a well deserved first place ahead of Neil Dunkley in second & Kate Sargeant in third place. Rob Lloyd sailed a fantastic race & claimed fourth place in his Topper.
After the first race the Race Officer decided to take advantage of Brittanny Ferries departing to change the course whilst the waiting for the ferry to depart. A huge squall then came through leaving many crews swimming.
It was decided to abandon the second race to leave the rescue boats to recover those in need of help. Special thanks go the safety boat crews of Plymouth Youth Sailing & RPCYC.
If there are any volunteers available to man Safety Boats or the Start line please email sail@rpcyc.com
by Jon Buckler