GW Smith Race 6 – update

The weather gods were kind last Thursday for the eight competitors in the 6th race in this year’s GW Smith Trophy.  The grey clouds and rain which had been around for most of the day departed leaving a gentle southeasterly wind, a blue sky scattered with a few light clouds albeit with more storm clouds looming from the west.

The racing was close with all boats completing the three laps.  John and Zoe Adams in their Merlin made a good start but were overtaken by Ken Duffell and Mathew Valentine in Merlin Avenger who won on the water despite a late charge by the Adams.  However James Fox and Rob Blakebrough had been steadily easing their way through the fleet closer to the battling Merlins and it was they who won the race on handicap in front of the two Merlins with Mike and Jennifer Adams in N18 Trojan in fourth.

The foreboding storm clouds just about held off for the race before the sky darkened and the rain fell.

This race saw three more boats qualify for the series, bringing the total to date to seven and make a difference to the overall leader board.  John and Zoe drop back to third and the series is now led by Charles Fox with the Saga winner, Ken Duffell close behind him.

Theoretically they could both be caught by Ros Warwick-Haller in her Laser if she adds another 3 first places in the remaining three races to the one she has already, so there is still much to sail for and to watch.

Thanks to Nicky Johnson for a tasty supper after and interesting race.

John Adams