Manx Sail Racer

Report by Angus Jolly

Forty four competitors (sailing twenty nine boats) provided a welcoming spectacle as they took to the sparkling waters of Ramsey Bay for the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club’s annual Easter Regatta. The conditions were considered a little light by some, with the wind blowing a gentle force 1-2, but coupled with warm sunshine proved to be an inviting start to the season. The oscillating shifts in the first two races giving plenty of opportunity for some tactical gains, oh and err..losses!

The Regatta consisted of three races, and the Race Officer, David Edwards, ably assisted by son Donald, Val Craine and Ian Moffett chose to run two ‘windward / leewards’ and one ‘triangle’.
Once the course was set, Race One the fleet got underway with the fleet negotiating a particularly short and crowded start line. Rumours of the odd boat starting early and the occasional collision were, of course, completely unfounded! Rob Cowell and Phil Hardisty in their RS200 showed good early pace as did Andrew and Charlie Dean, also in a ‘200’. Rob rounded the windward mark first, but was soon overhauled by Russ & June Collister (RS200) who proved to be on a mission leading to the finish. This kind of set the scene for the following two races! The usual battles were taking place between the Lasers of Mike Pridham, Peter Whipp, and Dave Holland who place swapped for the duration of the Regatta.

Race Two was run as a triangle and showing early pace this time was Angus & Barbara (RS200) rounding first. Any dreams of glory soon went out of the window as they were instantly ‘rolled’ by Russ & June and Jerry Colman’s 505! Russ pulled away into an unassailable lead and Andrew & Charlie, again showing amazing speed also slipped past to take 2nd. The Jolly’s held on for 3rd and Rob & Phil took fourth. Anyone would think it was an RS200 benefit day!

Race 3 was back to the trusted ‘sausage’ and once the fleet had rounded the first mark the wind decided to throw a wobbly and switch direction completely. This was to prove disastrous for anyone on the left of the ‘new’ windward leg and put some front runners (Peter Whipp & Gus to name a couple) temporarily at the back of the fleet. Russ’n’June once again played it just right to take the win, with Keith and Ted Holden in their GP14 in second. Third was Mike Pridham and fourth Andrew Dean.

Congratulations to Russell & June for winning the Event so convincingly with 3 straight firsts followed by: 2nd Andrew & Charlie, 3rd Rob & Phil, 4th Gus’n’Bob, 5th Mike Pridham, 6th Peter Whipp, 7th Ted & Keith, 8th Dave Holland, 9th Pete Barlow and 10th Ralph Kee. The full results will be posted on the MS&CC and Manxsailracer websites soon.

The Junior Fleet, mostly in Laser Radials also had a closely fought Regatta with Ali Hinds, Katie Hill, Patrick Evans and Chris Hill (in that order) ending up side by side on the results board once the final points had been added up.

Once back on shore, the boats hosed down and packed away the competitors retired to the clubhouse for some well earned refreshments, a bit of pastie and a huge and bewildering choice of cake.

All in all it was a highly successful and enjoyable day and thanks must go to the following:
Derek Flint and his crew of volunteers (12 in total) for manning the safety boats, Martin Packard for ensuring that all the RIBs were fully equipped and ready to go, Jill Bellwood and her team for the Regatta tea and finally our Sponsors for the event – IOM Xerox

For a range of pictures taken by MSR’s Dave Kneale check out the gallery.

The MS&CC season continues with the first two races of the Bridson & Horrocks ‘Series 1’ commencing at 10.00 on Sunday 15th April. This Series will consist of 6 races held over 3 consecutive Sundays (15th 22nd and 29th). For any additional information please contact Angus on 473646.