RTI Pursuit race 2024
Round and Round the Island
It was always threatening to pour with rain on Round the Island Saturday 27th April and yet by a miracle at the start, and for the first forty minutes we were dry, and the wind was boisterous. So, we all shot off at our designated intervals in good order, thanks to Debbie Harley and Susie Peerless. It's not at all easy starting a Pursuit race by the way. After the nonexistent Topper was flagged for first start (for computational reasons), the Comet 'Fleet set off consisting of James Bay in Kotari, David G in 'Swn y Don' which could mean Song of the Sea in Welsh or Swindon depending on how you feel and George Bell in Merlin, to round an E mark and then head off to the Three Trees. For the first time in living memory rounding the island was a breeze,
in contrast to the traditional lagoon of idleness. John Holland's stately GP was next to start nobly crewed by Sue Morley. A minute later it was The Commodore in Espérer crewed by Amelia Goodwin. It was a good day for the Enterprise which shrugged off the puzzling wind and stream to come a meritorious third. And so, to Merlin Rockets; Flinkydink helmed by Stuart Jenkins and crewed by Nicola Scadden was a picture of vintage elegance and speed. They made short work of the sailing thus winning the event even though they could have had tea and a round of toast while waiting to be set off. John Heath and Colin Goodwin shared the 'Concours d'Elegance' in his vintage Merlin Ella and came second.
George came fourth but not before juggling positions with James Bay and David who came 5th and 6th respectively. James Bay rode a river of air to lead the entire fleet by 300 yards for about 20 minutes, the whole fleet bunching up way behind. It was a pleasure to see Nigel Cooper on flags, assisted by Graham York on duck fence and look out. Fiona McHardy and Alison H went Greek with the RTI supper of Moussaka and an assortment of Mediterranean vegetables and salad, Bar and beer was by Phil McHardy and others.
In the end the wind dropped, it did start to rain and got worse as we put our boats away for the night, but overall, it was a good day.
David
Last updated 4:14pm on 13 May 2024