30 April 2024
The RS Elite Spring Champs is raced in memory of Alison Yearsley. She would have been impressed with the 15 boat turnout considering the ‘un-springlike’ conditions at Hayling Island over the weekend of April 27/28.
Race Officer, Rod Carr set the course just past West Pole in Bracklesham Bay, we sailed straight out the harbour entrance to the start line. The forecast was 12 knots from the north east swinging right & dropping during the day. In reality the wind did drop but swung back & forth all afternoon, making laying the course very tricky, especially when you only have one rib at your beck & call. The four races were tough for all with everyone suffering from ‘snakes’ as well as ‘ladders’ on the course. At the end of day one it was James Yearsley crewed by Jubby & JC leading the day after winning race two & four; whilst Ossie Stewart, despite winning the other two races had a mid-fleet & back of the fleet result on his score sheet. Third after day one was Andrew Archibald crewed by Pippa & Tom with a 2nd & 3rd pulling them right up in the standings.
After a night of torrential rain the skies remained grey, the temperature more like February, as the fleet headed out of the harbour to Hayling Bay. It was a lumpy sail out in 15 knots from the WNW but as the day progressed the skies cleared, the wind dropped & flicked further left leaving us with a 10-12 knots of wind funnelling along the coast. Again the results showed how tricky it was to be consistent, keeping clean at both the windward mark & leeward gate was key. Tim Peters with Aids & Jerry, won the first race of the day with David Nicholls, Nik & Watty 2nd across the line. The course was re-laid for the second race & James put a third race win on his scorecard; however it was Nick Peters crewed by Guy & Debbie who crossed second & then won race 3, they were the most consistent on day two which boasted them up the leaderboard from 4th to 2nd. Tom Hewitson crewed by Jo & Colin won the final race but it was Ossie & his crack team of Mike McIntyre & Ian Tillet who won the trophy.
Full results at https://www.hisc.co.uk/media/17683/elite-sprint-champs-day-2.html
Photo by David Nicholls