Light winds prompted the choice of Course 17A which at one point looked like it was too long. However, the starters were aware and prepared to finish the race ‘outside’ if the wind had not filled in late as it more-or-less did.
In Division 1 Sweet Chariot powered away in the conditions to leave the fleet in their wake to record a comprehensive victory on the water and on handicap. Velocity and Irukandji kept together and escaped marginally from the others. Chloe led the Etchells group with 4 boats racing, others were Forte Forever, Eggshells and Foxy. Blue Chip managed to fit in somewhere in amongst the Etchells ‘Fleet’.
Welcome to Peter Francis in Wind Charmer for their first Saturday race in a different boat, although they started in Division 2 they may be better suited to Division 1 especially when Gwhizz and StarElan are sailing. They were so far ahead that the computer has momentarily missed them.
In the rest of Division 2 each boat led the race albeit momentarily in the case of Flair. Paca eventually escaped to lead the fleet in pursuit of Wind Charmer. Umzimkulu II made a supreme effort to catch them and Flair continued to sail into every hole in the breeze at every point on the course.
Next Saturday, April 9, is the last Down Harbour Race of the season.
