Summer Dinghy Pursuit Race with unseasonal weather

Published 16:23 on 4 Jun 2022

Forecast of strong winds and rain put many folk off the 100 minute Dinghy Pursuit Race at Coombe Cellars. As it turned out six hardy souls put in an appearance and early signs were for a moderately strong breeze from the ENE.

The first to launch was Brian Tucker in his Laser 4.7 and was unfortunate to capsize shortly before his allotted start time. Two Solo dinghies, Gary Morton and Mark Phillips were next to start and these two certainly made the best of the breeze which blew for about 40 mins before dropping off to just a few knots. Grant and Jill Simmons in their Enterprise were next to start followed by Mike Commander in his K1 with Rob Upton in his newly acquired Finn being the last to start. The leading boats were around the first windward mark when Rob got started.

By the time Rob and Mike got to the windward mark the wind had dropped off and had no chance of closing the gap on the leaders. Despite closing down the Enterprise on lap 2 it was only Rob that managed to get through and finally draw away. Shortly afterwards the rain started and killed the wind off completely. The temperature dropped dramatically as well and even when the rain stopped the wind never really came back in.

Meanwhile Gary and Mark were tussling hard with one another. And with just six minutes to go both were reaching side by side. As the clock ticked down it looked like Mark was going to get it being on the inside but it was Gary who was adjudged to be nearer the next mark and took the win.

Congratulations to Gary Molton and thanks to Peter Hearne and Mark Neilds on safety boat duty and to Ray and Maggie Potter for officiating as Race Officers.

Last updated 16:58 on 14 July 2024