This year the Club tried a new format for the Britannia Challenge Series in
an effort to get more yachts to take part in what is a Members only series.
Spread over four Sundays at the beginning and end of the season it was
hoped that it would not interfere with summer cruising plans.Based on the
Club handicap system it is designed to encourage all types of yachts to
take part in a not to serious series of races which get you back in the
Clubhouse for a curry lunch.
Six yachts entered and the race in May and the result was an extremely
close with the first 3 boats finishing within 2 minutes of each other on
corrected time. Nigel Williams in Stargazer a minute ahead of Philip Shears
in Saurian and Mark Hickmott in his new boat Merlin a further 15 seconds
behind.
The second race in June saw Stargazer gain her second win with Richard
Gaunt’s Spoofer second, and Saurian third.
Race 3 in September saw a reversal of fortunes with Crackertoo, John Young
first, Saurian second and Spoofer third. On a day when there were so many
other yachts on the Solent it was good for the Race officers to have Keith
Topley’s tan sailed, junk rigged, Gilla in view at all times enabling
them to keep track of the other competitors. After a very good curry lunch
the competitors decided to rewrite the rules and have only 3 races to count
for the overall winner but Chief Race Officer, Rodney Barton, was insisting
that the rules of the series clearly state that “all races to count”
This ruling generated quite a lot of e-mails but ensured the final round
would mean that it was still all to play for.
With the final race coming the day after the Laying up Dinner anything
could happen. In a light to moderate SW breeze 4 boats started and the
tension was obvious with 2 boats over the line. Crackertoo finished first
with Saurian second and Spoofer beating Stargazer by 11 seconds for third
place. With the final results being kept secret until Mrs Commodore, Sarah
Shears presented the prizes the tension again was mounting. The Patrick
Egan Salver for the overall winner with no discards went to the Commodore
in Saurian, and his able crew of Alan Limer, Carol Curties and Johnny
Blackstone. In order to placate the ‘discard brigade’ the Dr Bown
Salver was awarded for the best 3 from 4 races and with the aid of the tie
break rule this went to John and Margaret Young in Crackertoo with Chairman
of Sailing, Bob Milner on board. Nigel Williams with Stargazer was second
in both categories.
It was generally agreed the Series was a great success and the same format
is being suggested for 2009 with anyone wishing to use spinnakers being
handicapped accordingly. Remember it is open to all types of yachts so let
us hope there will be a few more Members taking part next year.
Rodney Barton
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