From our PRO Geoff Kirk with Geoff Boscoe

Sailors were greeted by a hot day and a building North-Easterly breeze for Heats 5 & 6 of the 2023 Autumn point score. The breeze lived up to the forecast by getting into the low 20 knot range. There was chop from the wind, outgoing tide and boat traffic which made boat handling challenging.

It was busy in the boat park with competition for space from 18’ skiffs while room on the harbour was also at a premium. The on-water race management team needed to fit the course into a compressed footprint because of the Etchells and 18’ skiff race courses.

A big fleet of 20+ ILCA6 sailors joined for the first race of the day. This included a couple of defectors from the ILCA7 fleet and a couple of new visiting sailors who were warmly welcomed. The first race was won on handicap by Cote Poncell, with Quentin Burns in second and Ian Tudball in third. After a few retirements, a slightly smaller ILCA6 fleet lined up for the second race which was won on handicap by Quentin Burns, followed by Murray Stone and Kate McHugh. Special shout-outs to Evie Saunders who won line honours in both ILCA6 races and Tilly Rowles who was first in the 4.7 races.

A much smaller ILCA7 fleet joined the racing with Dave Newman first over the line in both races. After handicap, it was 1. Chris Berg, 2. Ryan Aldrich and 3. Jason Wilkins on the podium in the first race and in the second race it was 1. Nick Pellow, 2. Dave Newman and 3. Yves Stening.

Congratulations to all competitors in dealing so well with the challenging conditions.

Special thanks to all the helpers on the day, including Daryl Lawrence (handicapper on Jazzman), Omer Kanakci (COTD), Ben Byford (Co-COTD), Tim Heath and David Huber who stepped in to run an additional RIB, Cote Poncell and Tory Epworth who joined Paul and Shirley to make the world’s best toasties.

The Race Management Team on the Jazzman would also like to thank Pat Levy for the extra shade on Jazzman which was much appreciated in the heat.