Elford Numbum Race 3 - 16.01.2011

Grey and overcast, honking around the west side of the house in Hove but mild’ish (at 10°C) s registered in the car on the way to Piddinghoe. The Seaford Windguru was forcasting a solid force 5 for the day so it was a bit’ iffy’ if Alan was going afloat. On arrival at Piddinghoe the cloud was beginning to break and some blue sky was showing. A check on the pond side showed a maximum of 12 knots but there was the occasional ‘whilstling in the rigging’ – usually experienced when the wind is force 6!
A course was set along the northside of the pond with a very short windward leg to the twin marks, bearing off to a yellow mark opposite the flag pole and then back east on a short run across to a turning mark for a second beat. There followed a short reach to the mark in the southern corner of the pond, a gybe and run northwards followed by a broad reach to near the north bank and then the full beat back to the start. As is usual the wind at Piddinghoe comes in lumps, some today were rather hefty gusts.
Some ten boats took to the water, including Alan.S in his Streaker.

He had barely left the shore when one of those lumps of breeze flipped him into the water – not a very auspicious start. Apart from the loss of dignity – in full view of all – he lost his mast head burgee to the pond mud. There was plenty of reaching up and down before the start in the Southerly breeze.

At the gun it was Paul Ryan (Laser full rig – Hardway SC) first off the blocks, closely followed by Michael Veale (RS200 –NSSC) crewed by Rupert Smith and behind them Steve Duncan (Laser full rig).

Alan.S was at the back having been caught in a Starboard boat’s call and as a result got into irons.
At the end of the first lap Paul.R was in front – a position from which he remained un challenged to the finish – Michael.V second up but with Steve.D right on his tail. Darren Field and Tim Cox (both Laser Radials – NSSC) were in 4th and 5th spot with Alan.S behind them in 6th. The trailing pack consisted of Alice Smith (Topper –NSSC) ahead of Callum Johnson (Laser Radial) then Bill Waites in his much reefed Laser Radial with Gary Johnson (Pico – NSSC) bringing up the rear.
By the end of lap two Steve.D had passed Michael.V whilst Tim.C had bested Darren. F. The bottom south east corner seemed to be popular swimming location as the gybe caught out quite a few sailors. – not that it was the only spot and most of the ten had a dip (or two) in the course of the race, even Paul.R the leader and Steve.D.
Gary.J gave up quite soon having not only failed to sign on but missed out a mark and Callum.J did likewise not too long after his dad, Callum had found the breeze somewhat more testing than he expected and did not overly enjoy his swims.

By lap 7 Darren.F had passed both Tim.C and Michael.V but came a cropper in the following lap and decided enough was enough. Niether Tim.C nor Alan.S were able to make any headway against Michael.V and in the closing laps (for them) Alan.S did make up some ground but could not gain enough to pass.
At the finish the order was 1st .Paul.R, 2nd. Steve.D, 3rd. Michael.V, 4th Tim.C and 5th Alan.S.
It had been a very gusty race with plenty of spills and for the heavyweights quite fun if somewhat damp. Alan. S was not so sure it had been a wise decision for him to sail after all, but he had stayed upright during the race. Results (unofficial/preliminary):-
1st, Paul Ryan, 2nd. Steve Duncan, 3rd Alan Simmons, 4th. Michael Veale and Rupert Smith,
5th. Tim Cox, 6th Alice Smith, 7th. Bill Waites. – Darren Field, Callum Johnson and Gary Johnson all retired.
Alan.S 1700