Inaugural TY race at Weymouth

Well, despite our best efforts, the fleet that turned up for the first race specifically for trailer yachts was only attended by the three local boats, which was a shame because the weather was perfect, and the racing was pretty intense too!

The first race, designated as course 3, started well, and Murray and Pete in the Quicksilver took an early lead on the downhill run after the start. Unfortunately, about a mile into the leg they suffered a broken rudderblade, which put them out for the day. At that point the beachcomber sailed by Rob and Ajith had an almost dead even placing with Aaron and Gina (plus kids) in the Cherry.

Rounding the first mark, the cherry managed to just get their nose in front, while the smaller jib chosen by the beachcomber guys was proving to be just a little too small in the lighter patches, leaving them underpowered on the beat, and losing ground. Halfway around the course, they changed up to the bigger one again,but it was too late, as the cherry took an easy victory.

The second race, sailed close to the Papakura motorway (course 4), was a much closer affair, as the big genoa did it's job, with both boats close together for the duration. Rob was seen doing a couple of 360's early on,after being knocked flat by sudden gusts. Each of these helped Aaron to get back in front. After an hour of racing, both boats were side by side, with around ten minutes of course left.

Rob lead going into the last mark, only to lose his advantage in a shift that favoured Aaron. Half way up the beat, both boats converged in a classic port/starboard, and Aaron managed to tack into a safe leeward position, executing what could be called a perfect lee-bow, slowing rob just enough to sneak ahead. Then it was Aaron's turn to get the wrong shift, and Rob managed to cross just in front again. With only around 100 metres to go, and one tack left, that was the end, as the beachcomber finished around 20 seconds ahead of the cherry.

So, that's how it stacked up on the first day, two good races, awesome weather, and even points. With the boats currently racing, line honours will count for series points, ratings will only be used if we get some visiting boats of different designs.