2nd GW Smith Trophy Race, Thursday July 11th
Published 01:00 on 16 Jul 2024
Image by Carolyne Vines
The wind in the afternoon did not bode well for the evening race, very light, occasionally not there at all and fluctuating between south, west and north. However by the time the OOD, David Baker, and his team had arrived it had settled down to a NNW but still variable and light, leading David to set a course to Lensbury and then to Canbury.
Despite the lack of wind, 15 boats came to the start line, including two fathers racing against sons. There was also a good variety of classes and ages, with 3 juniors in Toppers, 6 ILCA7s, 3 Merlins, 1 Rooster, a N18 and a Solo. This led to a crowded start line with a couple of the Merlins at least having to go back and start again.
By the first mark, Matt P-J with his large Rooster sail on an ILCA7 hull had taken the lead and never relinquished it. Behind him, Charlie and Benjamin Morgan in their Merlin and Peter Johnson and Paul Jamieson had a good battle with Joe McLaughlin in his Solo very close to these two, even ahead of them both at one time. At the finish, Charlie and Benjamin came 2nd, Peter and Paul 3rd and Joe 4th. Arthur P-J in his Topper was also going well and was the only Topper not to be lapped.
When the handicaps were applied it became clear that it was a single handers' day, with Joe 1st in the Solo, Arthur P-J 2nd in the Topper, Matty Key in an ILCA7 3rd and Matt P-J 4th in the Rooster. Charlie and Benjamin were the leading double hander in 7th.
Too early in the series to call the final result, but Matt P-J in his Rooster is in the lead from Jim Hamilton in his ILCA7.
Thanks to OOD David Baker and his team of Barbara Adams and Jim Green in the box, with Clive Mence and Ellen Schwarz in the patrol boat.
A good crowd enjoyed the mild delicately spiced Indian Chicken Curry with Rice and Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Poppadum & Minted yoghurt followed by Lemon sorbet. Many thanks to Jean Michel and his team of Jessica and Alfie for providing us with great food and bar to round off the evening.
Last updated 19:17 on 18 November 2024