Testing Conditions at the Easter Regatta
The Saturday of the Easter break saw the running of the MS&CC Easter Regatta in Ramsey Bay. 14 boats came to the start line for the first race. Numbers slightly down on normal with the early start to the season and competition from the mountain marathon, some felt they needed to run up hills (why?).
The start of the first race was slightly delayed while the fleet waited for the wind to settle.
With a strong spring tide the fleet found it hard going with two or three different wind patterns in the light breeze. Mick Kneale made good progress with the big rig of the National 18 closely followed by the Fireball of Dan Roberts and the RS 200’s of Russell and June Collister and Andrew and Katie Dean. The leaders found a big hole in the wind allowing the RS’s to catch up. Russell was first, Andrew second and the N18 third.
After another delay the OD finally started Race 2 only for the entire fleet to be over the line. This closely followed by another 120 degree wind shift meant another postponement.
The OD now moved the course out to sea to a steady force 3-4 southerly wind and sunshine for the final two races.
Mick Kneale with crew Donald Edwards and Phil Hardisty made no mistakes in the second race and lead from start to finish. The fresher wind and perfect conditions gave everyone a chance to shake off the winter cobwebs and very close racing was had across the fleet.
Race 3 was a testing P course and the RS 200’s really showed how they can fly.
The Collister’s won this last race with the National 18 second just saving his time on the Deans in third. Mike Pridham showed his experience taking 4th place in all three races. Ali Hinds and Ben Swindlehurst had a great scrap for best junior with Ali taking the prize after Ben went swimming in the last race.
Many thanks to the rescue crews and to the Ladies of the Manx Sailing and Cruising Club for all their hard work.
Overall Results
- Russell and June Collister
- Mick Kneale and crew
- Andrew and Katie Dean
- Mike Pridham
- Ali Hinds
- Raiph Kee
- Dan Roberts
- J Coleman
- B Swindlehurst
Yogi Quayle
