Three ISO's, several catamarans and an RS200 participated in this years Calshot SC Long Distance Race. This is a fun race and something different from the usually small lap racing. In fact there are no buoys to round at all. Just sail down half of the solent from the start line off Calshot SC to a finish line at the Lymington starting platform. Then have a leisurely lunch at Lymington Town SC followed by another race back to Calshot.
The 7th/8th August was Ullswater Y.C. Regatta and another chance to sail in the beautiful setting of the Lake District. We left home in Halifax in heavy rain and a blustery wind, but by the time we reached Pooley Bridge and Ullswater came into view the rain had gone, but sadly, also most of the wind.
The combined sailors at Essex Yacht Club and Leigh Sailing Club in Essex participated recently in an innovative event over the weekend of 10/11 July.
It was a series of fastest lap races in each of 4 races with 3 to count, all then adjusted by the Portsmouth yardstick. There was a fleet of 15 boats consisting of 3 ISOs,RS 200s and an RS400,RS Vareo, Finn, GP14,Laser,Wayfarer and a Fireball amongst others. Perhaps not surprisingly the fastest laps were recorded by all the boats when on the same round of the course.
It could not have been a better weekend for sailing, Bright sunshine and a steady 10 to 15 knots of wind, and a view out over the Solent from the beach and a fleet of boats to race against. Who could ask for more? That sums up the whole weekend I don’t think I need say any more than that.
I better tell you how the races went.
The start was on a line with port end bias, Pete and Annie Lindley, 1013, took a early lead followed by John Gill and Juliet Daniels, 1003, with Mike Lillywhite and Mandy Gunner, 881, in third.
That is how it stayed until the end of the 3 laps, by which time Pete & Annie had pulled out a good lead.
Read more: ISO Nationals Lee on Solent 2010 (10th & 11th July 2010)
Read more: Northern Travelling ISO's - Grimwith Grapple and Birkett Trophy
“If you would like to come to the Italian nationals on the 12th & 13th June, I have a boat for you.” That was the basis of our decision to trip out to Laveno Mombello on Lake Magiore for the weekend - as you do!
So, the Italian nationals first race planned for 08:00 Saturday morning. Bit early we thought - especially as Annie and myself got to our hotel at 01:15 that same morning! 06:59 and a phone call from Marco saying he was waiting with croisants downstairs in the lobby. Playing "follow my Italian leader" in our left hand drive Fiat Punto hire car was great fun. Opening the door when changing gear and adjusting he height of the seat to apply the hand brake - all made the game more interesting!
Essex YC was the venue on 15th May. Overcast, light breeze and ten ISOs lining up for a spot of jousting round the cans. The mud flats disappeared with that warning speed.
An array of ISO sails of varying vintage crept out and assembled around the Committee Cat, Mauna Kea. The oldest sails with purple pockets, not so old ones with the black pockets, the now familiar transparency of the Hyde’s – and some new ones. Rooster sails arrived on the scene looking every bit the part, driven by Emsworth’s Mike Lillywhite and Mark Riddington. The main shape similar to the Hyde but with a stunning new jib style with a black section down the leach to the clew. Sail material is flexible without the characteristic crackle of mylar – and Rooster patches.
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First start and the fleet got away cleanly, only to be called back as the race was abandoned due to a 90 degree wind shift right on the gun.
