7th Saga Trophy Race, Thursday 13th June
Published 15:08 on 15 Jun 2024
Image courtesy of Carolyne Vines
A select group of 4 boats braved the forecast for rain and strong winds and enjoyed good conditions for the 7th race in the Saga Trophy series. These were a Merlin, 2 Solos and an ILCA7.
For a change the wind was from the southwest enabling a beat up stream and a run downstream. While it was a damp evening with sporadic rain drops, the wind was variable but strong enough to give some of the best sailing this series.
After a slightly delay all 4 boats executed a great start, as seen in Carolyne Vines' image at the top of this report. Rob and Lucy Hatley were first around Canbury mark in their Merlin and swiftly took advantage of the wind direction to fly their spinnaker with great skill to pull out a good lead which they held to the finish. Behind them Tim Medcalf in his Solo managed to stay ahead of Matty Key in his Laser, although had to work hard do so. Peter Impey was sailing the demonstration Solo, sailing one for the first time, and fully explored his ability to right it after capsizing, but persevered to finish the race.
On handicap, Rob and Lucy in the Merlin slipped to 3rd, leaving Tim in 1st in his Solo followed by Matty in the ILCA7.
This was quite a key race in the series as it consolidates Tim's lead but not impossible for him to be overtaken. The battle for the next places is still very open, with Matt P-J in his Laser narrowly leading David Baker in his Merlin, but with Charles Fox still in touching distance in his N18. So plenty to enjoy on the water and as a spectator for the last two races in the 2024 version of the Saga Trophy series.
Thanks to Peter and Nicky Johnson in the OOD's box, and Stewart Colley and Ilker Sener on the patrol boats.
Jean Michel assisted by Maddie and May in the kitchen and bar rounded off a cold evening with a suitably warming supper of Bevans sausage and mash with butter beans and a rocket salad followed by Pear Helene with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Last updated 18:47 on 20 October 2024