J/70s Love Fickle Solent Conditions(Warsash, England)- The Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series got underway on 17th March 2013 with a tough trial for competitors, race officers and especially foul weather gear! It was certainly a cold wet start to spring. In the eastern Solent, the wind, initially at 25 knots, died to 5 knots and moved from easterly through to south then north westerly. In such a changeable situation, it was not an easy day for the course setters; neither did they want to keep crews waiting on a chilly damp day. Nonetheless, most of the day’s program of racing was completed with time for everyone to relax and warm up at Warsash Sailing Club’s Shore House afterwards for results, day prizes and FREE beer for competitors!!
On Peter Knight’s White Group sportsboat line, close inshore conditions were similarly fickle with the wind varying from 0 to 15 knots, sleet and very occasional sunshine. The RC team was determined to get some racing despite the lack of stable conditions. Averaging 5 knots the breeze swung from north-east to south, nearly to the west before settling briefly at south-west. The committee boat first set up station at Meon buoy, moved offshore due to a left shift, then back again. The J/70 class got underway but the wind was beginning to die and many finished close to the hour target time. As the wind died away again, the second race was shortened to a single lap. The light and variable conditions did have the benefit of encouraging no one to be over the line. In both races Ian Atkins (Boats.com) dominated the newly introduced J/70 fleet. Sailing photo credits- Iain McLuckie For more Warsash Spring Series sailing information
