A strong west going tide saw the entire fleet with the exception of OFFBEAT (David McLeman) shy of the start line. OFFBEAT chose the pin end and charged across on port at seemingly ninety degrees to the line. In a matter of minutes they had a commanding lead that remained undisputed to the finish.
Meanwhile the rest of the fleet were getting their act together. J-DREAM (David & Kirsty Apthorp) and AUDAJIOUS (David Jobson) were the first to tack off in pursuit of OFFBEAT. By the windward mark ME JULIE (Dominic Monkhouse) had pulled through to third.
The first downwind leg included a jibe at Hill Head that saw JAMIRA (Mark Tracey) and JEEZ-LOUISE (James Arnell) involved in an incident that forced them both to retire. The run across to Prince Consort with the ebb in full flow saw places gained by those who were prepared to dice with Bramble Bank. 20° wind shifts saw JANGADA TOO (Richard Palmer) and JAMBHALA (Richard Sainsbury & Gill Ross) move up through the fleet as they were in total sync with the shifts and gusts of 10-16 knots.
Only one second separated JYNNAN TONNYX (Owain Franks & Jean Lockett) from ME JULIE to claim 6th place.
Stay tuned for results from the Spring Championships, where the J/109 Class will be racing one-design.
Results:
1st – OFFBEAT (David McLeman)
2nd – J-DREAM (David & Kirsty Apthorp)
3rd – AUDAJIOUS (David Jobson)
