2010 Wednesday Evening Series»2010-06-30
Tonights Results are here
Overall Results are here
A change is not as good as a rest
Slow Handicap Fleet Report
I never thought it was anyway but Steve Oliver proves the point by being the on-form Lightning after a week off.
There was much anticipation of 15 knots of breeze this week but my first view of the Cattewater indicated that hiking out was restricted to Dartmoor. It was, umm, flat. Early birds cruising the start area were gliding nicely along but after previous weeks I feared more paddling was ahead.
The slow handicap fleet were set a course of Melampus, NW Winter, West Mallard.
There was a strong(ish) flood tide, I don’t really know how strong it was, I could not see the moon. From the club line it was a virtual fetch to Melampus on port tack but the hole in the wind at Melampus and tide meant it paid to take a hitch to the east before getting into more tide and less wind. Well that was my plan and I was not alone in my simple logic.
Rob nailed the start (a rare occasion) but had Steve Oliver and a brace of Enterprises chasing him out into the Sound. After some changes of position Rob was back in front by Melampus, leading Steve close behind with Hugh and Guy mixing it with the Enterprises.
Steve turned up the boat speed down the run and caught Rob by NW Winter. They were still battling by the start of the beat from West Mallard.
Whilst Rob and Steve crossed close tacks up the second beat Hugh and Guy were having their own great battle a hundred yards back and enjoying some close racing.
The second lap had the same best route as the first but Steve’s boat speed won the day and got him to Melampus with a 100m lead which he held to the end.
Well done to Matt who completed the race with one lap in his Pico.
by Rob Beaton