Wight Knuckle Brewery Open Icebreaker Series
Published 22:57 on 28 Jan 2025
Finally, some weather we can use to get out on the water. After cancellations for gales from the end of December and through January, at last a fine spell. Cold, certainly, 3 degrees C and, we have to admit, very little wind. Despite this we had eighteen hardy sailors turning out in three classes for some good, competitive racing in the harbour.
First to start were the four boats in the Fast Handicap class. Charles Darbyshire quickly showed his skills with a precisely timed start which gave him a lead that he never relinquished. Finishing the course in 42 minutes it would be a further 17 minutes before Charles' nearest rival crossed the line. Ditto for the second race but this time fellow Aero sailor Bruce Mayo was just 3 minutes behind Charles and Bruce was sailing the smaller rig Aero 6. Charles held on to his first place on handicap, with Bruce second. Excellent sailing too from Richard Douglas in the Wanderer and Andy Squibb in the Laser who made good time round the course in trying conditions.
Next off were the diverse Slow Handicap fleet of nine boats. Duncan and Phil made excellent starts, a policy that proved to be a key to success in Sunday's light and fickle winds. Swan 24 was late to the line but caught up well to finish just 20 seconds behind Grainne and Alyssia in Swan 27. Our young visitors in Fevas and the Oppie and our own Tilly Everett sailed exemplary races finishing in excellent times. Duncan and Phil will be hard to beat in this series.
Finally, the Scow fleet. Five of our best helms in these boats were out today and were always going to give some tight racing. Francesca Morgan absolutely ruled in the first race, although the others were not giving in easily, Martyn Davies crossing the line just over a minute behind Francesca with just seconds between Pete and Richard. Tables turned in the second race when a real bunch-up at the windward mark saw Francesca pushed from being a strong contender for a second win, into fifth place. A very good win for Martyn in this race giving him an early lead overall in the series.
A brilliant Sunday afternoon on the water at Brading Haven and huge thanks to Ron and Kathy Elliott, and Murray and Garry for their RIB support - you must have all been frozen!! And to Ian and Linda for their tireless support in the race box.
Full results on the website and to find out more about Wight Knuckle Brewery click here
Anne RO
Last updated 22:58 on 28 January 2025
