IN BRIGHT sunshine and a fresh SW wind, it was near-perfect sailing conditions for the penultimate race of the Heritage Group Frostbite Series. Fourteen yachts were at the Castle start line for this popular winter series for both cruiser and racer classes, organised by the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club.
All had a clean start bar Roger Martel’s Wonkey Donkey, which had to retire early due to a slight detour at the line.
In the racer class, it was the four identical Melges 24s that showed the way, with Simon Henning’s White Rabbit reaching the first mark ahead of the whole fleet.
White Rabbit held on to that position all the way to take line honours, followed by Wicked Feet (Chris Sharp) and Madcap (Grant and Jamie Hamilton) with only seconds between all three.
However, none of that fast trio was to feature in the points, with Rupert and Rosie Dorey’s Vamoosh beating her handicap and gaining her first win of the series.
John Falla in Banjaard was second and Jason Romer’s Flat Eric third - also in the placings for the first time.
The six cruisers made for their first mark at Terres Point with Gordon Wilson in Tomahawk sailing close inshore to beat the tide and lead the way.
Tomahawk seemed on top form and, with a swift spinnaker launch at Terres, was really flying across the Russel to the Aiguillon buoy near Jethou.
Altair (John Frankland) and Busker (Stuart McKerrell and Brian Parkin) followed but could not make ground, these two yachts battling together to get to the line.
It was an exciting finish for them, meeting and mixing with the racer group right at the same moment, and with Busker this time just beating Altair.
Meanwhile, John Squires in Haven Gem and David Herschel in Glenfruin were having their own contest as they recrossed the Russel in the fine conditions.
Tomahawk deservedly placed first on handicap, with Haven Gem and Glenfruin in second and third respectively.
* Overall placings with one race to go (Saturday 24 March):
Racers: 1, Banjaard (J. Falla); 2, Vamoosh (R. and R. Dorey); 3, White Rabbit (S. Henning)
Cruisers: 1, Glenfruin (D. Herschel); 2, Tomahawk (G. Wilson); 3, Dark Horse (M. Dunster).
Article posted on 15th March, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: