Fresh SW wind makes for a fast CYC Regatta

After months of light winds, the fresh SW wind that appeared for the CYC Regatta was a definite change in pace. The Regatta is always a long distance race from the CYC lake area down the harbour. With the wind at promising 18 knots gusting 22 knots and a likely sea breeze effect, the race officer, Richard Anderton, judged that this was an opportunity to use the longest of the course options, and give the CYC fleet a chance to explore the further reaches of the harbour.

The competitors in the fast fleet were sent off from the CYC committee boat, past westlands and along the Itchenor reach, down the harbour to  SW Pilsey and on to Channel and then back. The winning boat, a Hornet sailed by Nigel Skunder and Keith Mills, completed the course in 2 hours 17 minutes.

The Medium Fleet were sent on a slightly shorter course to Johns Folly and East Head. The SW wind made the journey from Bosham down to the east head a very long beat, and the return a challenging downwind run, with many of the boats experiencing waves breaking over their bows for the first time this year. The Medium fleet was won by Mike and Paula Olliff who clearly prefer sailing their 2000 in the fresher wind. Seven boats finished the course and 5 retired as the wind built just as the race was finishing.

The Slow fleet had a series of races local to the club. Given the stronger wind, the competitors did very well to complete two races. The Winner was Catherine McHale sailing her Topper. Second place went to Zac Shepherd in his optimist.

The Regatta saw the Itchenor keel boats sailing up to the CYC lake area, and looking fantastic as they were heeled over on the beat back toward Itchenor. The Winner of the Swallow fleet was Chris Fox sailing with James and Archie Leaver. the Winner of the Sunbeams was Julian Money and Sarah Pearson. The Winner of the XOD fleet was John Tremlett sailing with Sarah Speed.

Full results can be found here with some more photographs of the winners.