Barnwell 4
The day started off with a moderate-strong breeze with strong gust coming from the west. On the start line the wind faltered for some, meaning the Aero of Nathan Pollard and the Bosun of David and Roger were late to the line after the starting horn whilst the Aero of Bob Sampson flying his 5 rig and Dave Perrett in his Solo were first across the line. Nathan soon overtook both Dave then Bob on the first leg up to the west buoy and flew away down to the far buoy where the winds dropped due to a more shelter north westerly wind but the gusts stayed unpredictable. Luckily the course had accounted for this by allowing the sailors to safely tack around the buoy rather than gybe, though there were still two gybes on the following two buoys where some found the need to ‘granny tack’ instead. For the further two laps the order stayed the same: Nathan, Bob, Dave and David + Roger.
Results:
- Nathan Pollard (Aero 6)
- Bob Sampson (Aero 5)
- Dave Perrett (Solo)
- David Dewhurst and Roger Heasman (Bosun)
Pursuit 2
It was time again for another pursuit race where sailors start at different times depending on their boats handicap as well as personal handicaps, and finish at the same time. Roger took over the helm from David in the Bosun and started first on the same course. Bob started next, then shortly after Dave with Nathan starting further behind. It only took 1 lap of a stronger wind for Nathan to overtake all, though towards the end of this first lap the Aero was following a Bosun that was sitting rather low in the water! They had taken on water after a dodgy tack in inlet, forcing them to retire from the race leaving just Bob and Nathan.
Results:
- Nathan Pollard (Aero 6)
- Bob Sampson (Aero 5)
Retired: Roger Heasman and David Dewhurst (Bosun)
Thanks go to Race officers and Safetyboat crew Brian Pollard and Tash Routley, who also took the photos.