Page 27 - Yachter Spring 2023

ones.The race team has to monitor the race carefully and work out which of the turning marks the lead boat will be nearest to at the planned finish time of 11.35. If everyone sails exactly to their handicap, they should all arrive at the finish at the same time.As 11.35 approached The Hound was anchored near Hovercraft 2 buoy and four boats were on the final leg and still in contention to come in first.The first rain squall came through, registering a gust of 28 knots, as a reminder of what had been promised.
In the event Oliver Hawkins’ GibSea 90, Sailfish, finished first at 11.37, 24 seconds ahead of Andy Horwood’s Maxi 11.00, Asante, with Edward Broadway’s Sunfast 3300, Hooligan VIII, a further 17 seconds behind.
With all the boats safely finished we returned to OceanVillage,tied up the committee boats, and then decided we had made the right choice of race length as a heavy rain squall came through, registering 45 knots at Southampton dock head!
Thanks to Ginny and Nathan on the RIB and Angela, Julia, Linda and Natalie on The Hound.
All the entrance fees for this race are donated to the Commodore’s chosen charity – the RSYCTrust.
This was the last race of 2022.Thanks to all the team who work so hard to make it all possible.
Dave Martin Race Officer
Photos – Natalie Hamilton and Linda Sign
RACING REPORTS 27