Results / Boll� RS200 Grand Prix Northampton SC - 13/04/2013

With a forecast for Sunday of up to 40 knots, the RO decided to run 4 races Saturday afternoon in a force 3-4. The order of the day was tacking into a clear port lane at the first opportunity, then hope for a shift near the shore to lay the mark.

Chris Catt and Ally Martin, who seemed to sail offwind lower than a snake's armpit (mostly) won the first 3 races from Ian Sharps and Ellie Martin (in borrowed kit). Chris Martin and Katharine Martin (you'll note a recurring theme...) won the fourth race from Martin and Sam Boatmen. The fight for third and minor places on day 1 was between them, Mark Hatsel, Rob 'Shower Boy' Struckett (also in borrowed kit) and me.

That evening Chris Catt gave a talk on 'how to sail fast downwind in marginal planing conditions', which was useful (mostly.) I think the general message was that you don't necessarily have to a have an ex-jump-jockey crew made from carbon-kevlar/titanium. Though it helps...

Sunday's wind arrived bang on time, though everyone went out regardless. Conditions, especially upwind, was like having a 4 year old child. Really annoying most of the time, but if someone tried to take it away you'd kill them for it. The RO decided not to can it after the first race. During the second reach (of 5), I heard a loud bang just behind me. Rob Struckett and Lucy Preston's shroud had pinged. The same gust binned us a few seconds later and we retired with mast still unbent. lots of  wear-rounds in race 6 (4 laps) after an enormous gust allowed the Boatmen and C and K Martin through when they nailed their gybes. Race 7 was 3 laps, whereupon the RO took mercy on their souls and called it a day.

Ian and Ellie won each of these three races to take the event from Chris Catt and Ally, and Chris and Katherine Martin.

Thank you Julian for the report

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