The conditions were certainly fresh for the start of the Hamblin Round Mann race. Some initial footage of the race start can be seen on the video page to the right (unfortunately the rather rough sea did not assist in steady filming!).Thanks to Dermot Shimmin for the use of his rib, there is now a selection of photos available from MSR photgrapher Dave Kneale in the MSR gallery. High resolution copies of these or any of the photos featured on Manx Sail Racer are available to buy, just email photos@manxsailracer.com

Full Report thanks to Mick Kneale

What a difference a day makes. Last Thursday evening’s dinghy racing was abandoned as there was no wind. By Friday, forecasts were giving fresh to strong north-easterlies over the weekend, which limited arrivals for the Westerly Owners rally to 18 out of the 36 yachts entered and the separate Hamblin Round Mann race to 10 entrants.

The Hamblin Round Mann race started 8am Sunday; eight yachts crossed the start line while two other entrants thought better of it. The NE wind was already strong and gusty promising a fast race for the bigger boats. The leading yachts rounded Langness at 8.40am and now faced gale force winds and ever-steeper waves as the flood tide started – wind against tide.

Nick Ogden’s J.122 “Ulula” was the first to succumb to serious damage. It’s mainsail ripped apart just off Fort Island. Within half an hour, three more yachts had the same problem. Jason Corlett’s First 31.7 “Eauvation” blew the mainsail out off Port Grenaugh, followed by Mike Stanton’s Sigma 33 “Sorcery” and Robin Wootton’s Reflex 38 “Cheetah Cub” off Port Soderick.

The smallest boats racing: John Dowling’s Westerly Cirrus, Brian Stringfellow’s Eyghtene 24 and Chris Hall’s Pegasus 800 had all retired by 10am. John Dowling said that they were making no progress despite being reefed down to the minimum rig, the seas made it impossible to get to windward.

Bobby Moore’s Dehler 36 “Quantum”, which after all the carnage was effectively leading the race, sensibly retired into Douglas because of possible danger to the crew.
So two hours in, everyone had retired. The only record set in 2008 is that this is the first time there has been no finisher in the Hamblin Round Mann.

However, the pre-race party in the IOMYC was as good as ever and Hamblin’s consistent generosity with the buffet and event gifts is much appreciated by all competitors and the club.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm and is filed under Race News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.