Nine Wanderers, including four visitors, braved bright but very gusty
conditions at Hedgecourt Lake near Crawley on Sunday 2nd April for the
first Wanderer Class racing event of 2006. The wind direction on the
lake is notoriously changeable at any time and with breezy conditions
and gusts up to 37kn forecast the fleet was not to be disappointed!
Race Officer Donal Roche and team set up a suitable course for the SW
wind direction, this included four gybe marks, which was to be
challenging in the strongly gusting conditions.
Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper (W 1282) led from the start of race one
pursued by Andy and Adam Whitelock (W1046) and Alan and Hazel Chignell
(W1147). Andy capsized spectacularly at a gybe mark allowing Gavin to
increase his lead unopposed. Mike Powell and Vicky King (W 940)
gradually wore down the Chignells to take second place in a shortened
race, with the Chignells third and Mike Hamilton and David Oates fourth.
A number of others were having trouble with the conditions, capsizing
and retiring early.
The
gusty conditions did not relent in the afternoon and a few seamanlike
skippers reefed down. Philip and Jill Meadowcroft, en route from skiing
the French Alps, had had enough exercise and took no further part. Gavin
Barr again got away clear to lead the fleet round to win from Mike
Powell in second, with Mike Hamilton and David Oates (W992) closely
battling the Chignells to take third place. Andy Whitelock took another
swim and eventually retired.
Only two boats ventured to the line prepared for a final battering in a
third race. As the S.I.s specified a minimum of three boats for a race
and by general consensus race 3 was not sailed.
The sailors and race crew retired ashore for the prize giving and some
excellent home made cakes.
Donal Roche CMYC Race Officer.
