After three character-building winter rounds held across November, December and January, the final round of the Blithfield Barrel Winter Series arrived with a forecast that at last promised something more decisive. That optimism was enough to draw 35 boats to the line, contributing to an impressive 56 different boats that competed across the full Blithfield Barrel winter series.
The forecast suggested a southerly breeze veering west, with talk of gusts touching 23 knots. In reality, Blithfield delivered something far more familiar: a light and fickle wind that peaked at around 10 knots, with the much-anticipated breeze only filling in once all boats were back on their trailers.
Race One
The opening race got away cleanly, with a long start line and a pronounced sag through the middle. As it turned out, the pin end was probably the favoured place to start, although this was far from obvious at the time, with many of the faster boats bunched together at this pin end.
First around the windward mark were Charlie Chandler and Olly Hopkins in the Osprey, followed closely by the now-familiar Merlin Rocket gaggle, led once again by James Wells. The Osprey stretched away convincingly on the water and sailed an excellent race, but on corrected time the Merlins and Larks were ahead, particularly Stuart Hydon, sailing faultlessly in the Lark.
Despite leading on the water, the Osprey could not make sufficient ground to overcome the handicap spread, and Hydon once again emerged on top, continuing the consistency that had defined his winter campaign.
Race Two
Race two began in even lighter airs, with another clean start and a necessary course change as the wind continued to play its usual tricks. For a moment it was alarming to see boats starting at the committee-boat end laying the windward mark straight off the line, before the breeze resumed direction halfway up the beat and restored a proper upwind leg.
A Merlin Rocket rounded first, followed by the Osprey, then three more Merlins in close company, with the Finn not far behind.
With conditions marginal and fading, the race team shortened the course, aiming to condense the fleet and allow a fair, prorated finish.
The forecast gusts finally arrived but only once every boat was ashore and derigged, a frustration familiar to anyone who sails winter handicap racing in the UK.
Throughout the day, race officer Steve Leney ran excellent racing in challenging and changeable conditions. He was ably supported by his team on the committee boat, the rescue craft, and onshore, whose combined efforts ensured safe, fair racing and well-judged course management.
The format of two back-to-back races proved popular and might be retained next season.
Round Four Results: (Races 7 & 8)
1. Stuart & Nick Hydon - Lark 2495
2. James Wells & Anna Aylward - Merlin Rocket 3746
3. Samuel Bailey & Holly Evans - Lark 2536
Overall Winter Series Results
Perhaps coincidentally — or perhaps not — the overall series standings mirrored the final round results, underlining the importance of consistency across a winter that demanded adaptability in every race.
1. Stuart & Nick Hydon - Lark 2495
2. James Wells & Anna Aylward - Merlin Rocket 3746
3. Samuel Bailey & Holly Evans - Lark 2536
Prizes for both the February Barrel race and the overall Blithfield Barrel Winter Series winners were presented at the end of the day by club Commodore Peter Slater, bringing the series to a fitting close.
No comments:
Post a Comment