BHYC Race Report - Spence Willard 1-2

Published 21:30 on 1 Jul 2023

BHYC Race Report - Spence Willard 1-2

The first Spence Willard races of the summer sparkled in glorious warm sunshine with a SSE Force 3 breeze, attracting an enthusiastic mix of competitors across seven classes. In Race 1 the Fast Handicap fleet flew off on an old Olympic course to a windward mark off the beach, Footprint and the Tide Gauge. Paul Grant in the Solo made a promising start yet took an early bath when his mainsheet jammed, and retired gracefully. The asymmetric fleet kept each other in their sights and it was Tony Burton and Rachel who gained the line honours in the Laser 4000, yet Giles Palin secured the win in the RS 400 on corrected time with Graham Andrews a creditable second in the Laser. The Slow Handicap fleet and the Scows also followed an Olympic course to Garland and Nainby, which produced some excellent close racing. Jon Mills in the Swan prevailed overall with the H12 of Jonathan Plumtree a close second, and Crisso third in the Mirror. A BIG cheer for Mark and Alison Levitt in the club Swan Scottie who performed admirably in their first ever race. Well Done!

The impressive Scow fleet were led all the way by Anne Barlow, yet arrival at the leeward mark made for some strategic decision making with the fleet evenly split for the return beat to windward. James Gabbani sailed a blinder to earn second place with Paul Gould a well-earned third; just 27 seconds separated the first three boats! In reduced wind, Race 2 was a simple triangle with the Fast Handicap given two laps, continuing to Y and N from the inflatable mark set off the beach. Tables were turned somewhat with Tony and Rachel able to keep their kite flying longer on the reaches, securing the win on corrected time ahead of Giles who finished second and Graham third. A similar story for the Slow Handicap with Jonathan in the H12 getting some revenge over Jon in the Swan. The Scow racing was again very close with Anne maintaining top podium position overall, gaining a remarkable sudden burst of speed on the final beat. Paul Gould was close on Anne's heels in second place and Andy Pavey third, just 25 seconds separating the top three boats. Many thanks to our intrepid Race Support RIB Team.

If you are reading this report and have never tried racing, do come and join in the fun. Have a chat with Grainne Andrews, our Rear Commodore Offshore, and she will point you in the right direction.

Roger Herbert

Last updated 15:28 on 11 May 2025