Firstly may I wish all my viewers a Happy New year 2011. Now read on for a double helping.
Num Bum Race No 1 – 02.01.2011.
Cloudy but with small breaks showing blue sky and absolutely no breeze in a temperature of some 2 degrees C – such was the journey to Pidinghoe from Hove this morning. The clouds continued to break up and some sun was seen and miraculously half an hour before racing was due to start a slight NE breeze filled in at the pond – no more than force 2.
Kay set a course with a beat along the north side of the water followed by a run to a mark near the middle of the south side. A further beat then followed back towards the NE corner then off on a close reach and around the eastern side of the Island finally turning north along the south side of the water back to the starting area off the clubhouse.
The nine strong fleet was joined by Alex Mills-Barton (Laser full rig – NSSC) – before his depature to bigger things in Florida, USA and it was he who led off the line at the gun. In Close contention were Laurence Venus in his Steaker, Steve Duncan (Laser full rig – NSSC) and Paul Ryan also Laser full rig.
Close behind this group were Alan Simmons (Streaker), Julian Dobson (Laser full rig) and Darren Field (Laser Radial) with Callum Johnson (also in a Radial) and Bill Waites similarly boated out.
During the early laps Alex.M-B pulled away but a battle royal developed behind with both Laurence and Paul vying for second place on the water. Likewise Alan.S was in contention initially with Steve.D and Julian.D.
Upfront Alex was unchallenged but there was a bit of argy bargy between Lauence and Paul with a fair bit of vocalisation between them (mostly Paul) and at one point in lap 5 Laurence was seen to be doing turns and as a result lost out several places putting him back in 5th place behind Steve and Alan.
Darren whilst close behind Julian in the early laps seemed to fade as the race progressed with the full rig slowly pulling away as would be expexted. Likewise Callum could not hang on to Bill but it was spotted that his Kicker was hanging rather slack at all times. Ashore he said that it had been slipping but he hoped to get hold of the latest fittings pack if he could persuade his dad.
Alan and Steve gradually drew away from Julian in lap 3 and Alan finally, also in lap 5, got ahead of Steve to begin to catch up with Paul.
In the penultimate lap, after a few place changes, Alan overtook Paul and stayed ahead to the finish. Laurence slowly made good some of the ground he had earlier lost and also passed Steve to cross the line in fourth place.
The usual banter about the Streaker handicap took place in the changing room –‘ if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em’ is the phrase that comes to mind.
With the handicaps worked out it was Alan who was the winner (just) ahead of Alex, who’s 4.1/2 minute lead was insufficient and then it was Laurencein third place.
Results (Provisional/Unofficial):- 1st. Alan.S, 2nd. Alex.M-B, 3rd. Laurence.V, 4th. Paul.R, 5th. Steve.D, 6th. Julian.D, 7th. Darren.F, 8th. Bill.W, 9th. Callum.J
New Year’s Day morning was grey and overcast and as Alan Passed the Sussex University on the way to Piddinghoe it was drizzling. On arrival at the pond at about 12.30 the drizzle was no longer present but the skies were still overcast but with a light North Easterly (force 2 ish)blowing from the top corner of the pond.
The course was a beat across the north side of the pond followed by a run back to a mark near the middle of the south bank. Having rounded that it was back towards the NE corner then a run back to the south side. After tuning this one it was a beat around the north side of the pond, back to the SE corner and then a close reach back up the south side to the start mark just off the clubhouse.
Eight boats took to the water for the 2.00pm start and it was Laurence Venus (Streaker – NSSC) who was first away along with Jonty Freeman (Laser Radial – NSSC). Alan Simmons (Streaker – Lancing SC) was just a little behind but it was Lauernce who took off into the wild blue yonder, never to be subsequently challenged.
Callum Johnson (Laser Radial – NSSC)slotted in behind Alan.S and remained in 4th spot on the water to the finish.
The Toppers of Rupert Smith (NSSC), Alice Smith (NSSC) – Rupert’s daughter- together with Sasha Stonard (NSSC) had a continuing battle through out the race. The former pair always close together with Alice.S getting past her dad in the 4th lap only to lose out again in the final lap they sailed often less than 10 seconds separating them.
Gary Johnson (Pico – NSSC) brought up the rear of the fleet –the slow speed of the boat being the reason why his son Callum has opted for the Laser Radial.
Whilst Laurence romped away at the front of the fleet, trying out the Carbon Fibre mast lent to him by Alan.S, Alan himself enjoined a battle with Jonty.F and passed him by the end of the second lap only to lose out again when he snared the mooring line of a mark and pull it onto him. After doing his turns he had it all to do again but by the finish of lap 6 (the final lap) he was still 5 seconds adrift.
With the average lap taking about 10 minutes for Laurence.V – apart from the first lap - he finished some 4 minutes ahead of Jonty and Alan.
As the boats were finally packed away it appeared as if night had come early with dark and threatening skies – more drizzle was noted on the drive home through the downs near Falmer.
Results:-
1st Laurence.V, 2nd. Alan.S, 3rd. Jonty.F, 4th Rupert.S, 5th. Alice.S, 6th. Callum.J, 7th. Sasha.S, 8th. Gary.J
Appologies for the lack of Pics for this and for the first Numbum Race below due to the usual photographer – Bett Simmons – being indisposed with a large dollop of Bronchitus, but slowly improving.
Alan.S 1700
No comments:
Post a Comment