(Warsash, England)- After three weeks of freezing weather, a hint of
spring was in the air on 14th April 2013 for the fourth Sunday in the
Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series. With the temperature rising to
double figures, the thermal layers could be left behind and there was no
ice to clear from the decks. Although the forecast promised 16-20 knots
from the south with gusts to 30 knots, these did not materialize and
the full program of racing could be completed for all classes.
The
sportsboats in White Group also assembled in the entrance to
Southampton Water. Relieved to find no forecast Force 4-6, a three-round
windward/leeward course was set parallel to the shore, 0.65nm long. In the J/70s a mere 66 seconds separated the fleet on the
finish line, with North Sails taking this first race.In the second White Group race there were individual recalls in the J/70s and J/80s but this time everyone returned quickly. Halfway through, the wind started to shift and had soon gone through 90 degrees to the south-west. The race was shortened and the committee boat moved inshore ready for the third race. With the wind in the 8-10 knot range the J/70s got away cleanly only for one of the forecast gusts to come in at over 20 knots just two minutes before the J/80 start. At this point the committee boat’s anchor began to drag causing a short delay. The enthusiasm of the fleet to get under way showed when half the boats were too keen on the start line. With several hidden in the middle a general recall was needed before all went smoothly on the next attempt. Again, there was close racing in the J/70s. This time the fleet finished within 27 seconds after 50 minutes of racing.
As a result of the days scores, Ian Atkins' boats.com crew are still in the lead, but having less than a brilliant day on the scorecard (a 4-2), all of a sudden they look vulnerable despite having a seemingly insurmountable series lead. With 23 pts total, the boats.com team has a 7 pts lead over the fast improving PHEEBS team lead by Simon Cavey, now with an aggregate 30 pts. Also faltering a bit this past weekend was NORTH SAILS (Ruairidh Scott) notching a 2-4 on his scorecard to drop into third two points back with 32 pts.
Next weekend sees additional racing on Saturday for the Spring Championship whilst the Brooks Macdonald Warsash Spring Series meets for the fifth time on Sunday 21st April 2013. Sailing photo credits- Iain McLuckie For more Warsash Spring Series sailing information
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