The Wrecker 2020 Race Report

Sunday 25th October had a variable wet and breezy forecast and so it turned out. With 38 entries to the Sailing Southwest Winter series round 1 all were getting ready for a wet one. As the main fleet were launching a F 6-7 squall can in and stayed for 20 minutes into the race. The first lap was exciting but soon settled into a stead 3-4 SW with an increasing breeze at the finish.

Early starters saw the RS Aero blast away in hot pursuit of Ben Flower in his Laser. Sam Mettham in an Aero 5 to an early lead but could not shake off Greg Bartlett and Peter Barton in Aero 7s and Ben in his Laser. The 4 swapped places as the gusts came through for the first 4 of 6 laps. Finally Greg and Peter pulled away but the faster boats were flying though on big gusts.

Tony Curtis in Osprey 1234 was steadily climbing through the fleet and finally hit the front with 5 minutes to spare.

The Catamaran fleet was headed by Jon Farr in a Dart 18 and was carving through but could not catch the leaders. A hurricane 5.9 showed some impressive speed but giving almost 40minutes to the Aero was no match. With the big wind for the early starters the Aero fleet was away.

Finally as the wind came back near the end the Ospreys and Cats charged with Robert warren in his RS400 showing rapid progress. As the race neared the final 15 minutes the top 5 were away but the next 5 were very close. Sam and Leanne Thompson were on a charge in their Merlin. As they approached the windward mark for the last time their mast came down leaving the field open.

Overall Osprey 1234 dominated for overall 1st, with Greg Bartlett holding on for 2nd, and Peter Barton in 3rd. Ben Flower took 4th and Jon Farr in the leading cat took 5th.

Thanks NDYC for an exciting opener for the series. The next Event is at Roadford on 22nd November.