Streakerramblings -Freeman Iceberg Race 1 - 6th November 2011

This account is going to be third hand as I was not present, on or off the water, at the initial race of this winter’s pre-Xmas series so have to rely on the annotated lap sheet provided by Kay Young the RO.
Bett and I had been invited to lunch at Sussex YC by our friend Clare to celebrate the purchase of her Wayfarer Dinghy ‘Daggers’ – splendid Turkey and trimmings.

Back to the racing however, the morning’s Windguru had forecast at least force 5 but the reported white caps on waves would seem to indicate something a bit stronger although it did apparently reduce a little as the race progressed. Six boats came to the line and at the gun it was Rupert Smith (NSSC) single handed in a Mirror who was first away. Tailing him were Michael Veale and Mike Rosier (NSSC) in their RS200.
Within a few yards Ed Thorburn (NSSC) in his Finn had jumped into the lead and was to remain there unchallenged to the finish. By the end of the first lap the order was Ed.T followed by Paul Ryan (Hardway SC) in a full rig Laser with Tom Taylor (NSSC) next in a Megabyte – having by then overtaken Michael.V. In fifth spot were Alice Smith and Alex Stanard (NSSC) in their Laser II (Fun) and a goodly way ahead of dad Rupert.S. who had already managed to capsize at least once.
Lap two saw a bit more rotation when Alice and Alex capsized and Tom.T lowered his sail and was towed home with, it transpired, a broken gooseneck fitting.
In lap 3 Rupert.S managed to lose control and capsized again only also to lose his mainsheet as he righted the boat and being unable to recover that he sailed home under jib alone.
Whilst all on different laps all four remaining boats crossed the line within seconds of one another, in the 39 to 40 minute period, having all been on the planing leg simultaneously.
In lap 7 it was Paul.R’s turn to take a swim allowing Michael.V to get ahead of him, and stay there until the finish however once the handicaps were applied Paul.R pulled the position back. In the same lap Alice.S and Alex.S also took another swim but recovered and continued to the finish in 4^th place.

It was certainly a fast and furious event with plenty of spills, thrills and retirements but unfortunately no pictures to display with these notes.

Results:-
1st. Ed Thorburn, 2nd. Paul Ryan, 3rd. Michael Veale and Mike Rosier, 4th. Alice Smith and Alex Stanard, 5th (Retired) Tom Taylor, 5th (Retired) Rupert Smith.

Alan.S 1700

PS Alan intends to be present next Sunday (remembrance Sunday) 13^th November.