Changeable Conditions at Injebreck
Report by Deano
There was a gentle set to the wind when the dinghy racers arrived at West Baldwin reservoir on Sunday morning. This meant that rigging the boats was easy, but, as is often the case in winter, conditions changed to give a very lively morning’s racing.
The faithful Race Officer set an interesting course consisting of a windward/leeward sausage followed by an Olympic-style triangle. The RS200 of Andrew Dean, guest crewed by Gus Jolly, revelled in the resulting reaches and won the first race with a bit to spare. Young Ali Hinds led on the water for a good section of the race and was beaten into third by the skill of the fairly experienced Holdens by just 8 seconds on corrected time. Mike Pridham had a quiet race for 4th with the Wayfarer 5th. It was great to welcome the appearance of Yogi Quayle helming the Cope’s Laser 2000 into 6th and the improving Frances Rossignon settled for 7th in the testing conditions.
The course for the second race removed the triangle bringing extra challenge to the asymmetrically-spinnakered RS200. Normally, the occasional wrap of ropes can be easily sorted but Andrew messed up the gybe and went swimming. By this time most of the fleet were having moments of disaster in the increasing breeze and the rescue boat, skilfully piloted by Lucy and Nigel Hendy, was promptly on hand to make sure only pride was damaged. Yogi and Tim Cope had a big capsize on the leeward bank but avoided an MSC Napoli.
Mike Pridham, who loves a lively breeze, won the race with John Dowling’s Wayfarer second. Dean/Jolly rescued a third having righted the RS in less than 2 minutes pipping Keith and Ted Holden into 4th. Half a minute behind came Ali with Frances 6th.
The racing is very close and those who brave the winter at Injebreck not only keep fit but also hone their skills for the summer racing.
Next Sunday is the final day for reservoir racing this winter leaving plenty of time for boat repairs in preparation for the Easter Regatta at Ramsey. Please keep in touch by looking at the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club, and manxsailracer, websites.