This is one of the best Marblehead club events for some while, with a lot of superb racing between 5 good skipper/boat combinations. 16 races were sailed in a variable W or WSW A rig wind, which were completely unpredictable. The relatively long start line set up some really good even starts, with very few incidents. The simple windward/leeward course with 3 beats and 2 runs and the short finish line close to the southern control area bank also made some exciting finishes. You could be a metre or so from the finishing line, but if you didn’t approach it with way on you could be beaten by a boat or boats passing either side of you with the speed that you so desired! This was both exciting and frustrating, but everyone won at least one race, even though they couldn’t match Rob Vice’s 7 wins, as he was unstoppable in these conditions sailing his UP. His son CJ started being a bit out of practice, but soon recovered his form with his GRUNGE to win 5 races. Very many thanks to Lockie Vice for taking the photographs.
Those local Marblehead sailors who didn’t take up Guildford’s invitation to race in this club event should consider the other monthly Saturday events on the calendar where you know that you will get good Marblehead racing without any weed, on well set courses. Go to the Guildford website on www.guildfordmyc.co.uk. Don’t worry if don’t have a Marblehead as the club can lend you the club boat for these events.
