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Warsash SC Raymarine Spring Series
Race 5 Report by Sigress
Tight racing
in race 5 of the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series 2003 raises the stakes
for the final race after the Easter break.
Race 5 was characterised by heavier conditions than the
previous 4 ‘unseasonably light’ races. With winds averaging 18 kts, most
yachts decided to carry a no. 2 jib, although a lull at the 10 minute gun
and shortly after allowed Sigress to make a quick change to the no.1 and
stretch out a lead from a very even start. The first beat, to NE Ryde
Middle, into the tide and the south-easterly wind, took most of the fleet up
the shallow water on the North Shore, with a critical decision for the
navigators on when to tack for the mark. Scaramouche went first, followed by
Summation who got it just right allowing her to round the mark first,
closely followed by Sigress.
A roll-ploy broad reach to a gybe at E Bramble followed, with
Jupa moving into second place at the mark. On the next windward leg, from S
Bramble to Sunsail, Summation led to the Island shore, with most of the
following boats hugging the southern edge of the Brambles. The latter tactic
paid off, with Jupa and Sigress moving into 1st and 2nd
places. The following leg was a reach to Clipper, with most boats electing
to forego the kite and white sail it, Jupa being one of the few with
spinnaker up and thereby increasing her lead by a few hard hard-won boat
lengths.
The race finished with a short run to a laid mark, then a
short beat to the finish at Hill Head. A mass of other classes closed the
fleet up at the laid mark, and with Jupa close covering Sigress, Summation
managed to squeeze into second place, finishing 11 seconds behind Jupa and 9
seconds ahead of Sigress.
The series points show Summation leading, followed by
Scaramouche, Sigress and Retribution. Given consistent performances in the
final race these places should stand, but accounting for discards, a first
place could give provide an improvement in placing to most of the
competitors.
David Crawforth
Sigma33 Race
5 Results
Overall Results
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