Final Dinghy Super Saturday 22 Oct 2016
In the final Super Saturday event of the 2016 season all eyes were on the leader board as the adult dinghy sailors and the Otters took to the water to see who would be crowned triumphant – would it be the adults or the youngsters? Having clocked up 7 events and 14 races with some 94 separate boats competing since April it's fair to say that this monthly event has become a huge hit with both the RCYC and Otter members.
A shifty wind coming off the north shore made the course difficult to set but once again Edwin and team Phoebe set the perfect course. Twenty six dinghies in three fleets battled it out for the season's trophies. We were joined this week by Richard Franklin who jetted in from Palma to sail a laser and Arthur Brown from the RB who along with Mum Lizzie, back from injury, gave us a master class in laser sailing. Ian Brand, take note, they sail faster if you put the bung in!
The winners this weekend were Arthur Brown two bullets in the fast handicap, Milly Drew two bullets in the slow handicap and in the Oppies honours were shared between Angus Beale and Freddie Fisher. Totting up the points at the end however, it was clear that the Otters had won the series comfortably in all three fleets, although Carl Anderson still wonders if he could have sailed away with at least a hand on the Fast Handicap prize if only daughter Scarlett hadn’t had to jet off to university before the end of the series….
The End of Season prize giving followed in a packed RCYC bar with three splendid trophies (thanks Suzanne) awarded to the series winners. Imogen Palmer, the Optimist winner, reports: 'What I liked best was the carnival atmosphere at the club and all the dads trying to hold their stomachs in their wetsuits. It was really fun joining in with the whole club. I think it is fun doing a series race as everyone gets a chance to join in and literally anyone can win which is why I did. I am really looking forward to Super Saturday next year.'
Ben Barr took the cup for the Slow Handicap in his Cadet and writes, 'It was great to see so many different boats all on the start line together giving us all a different racing experience. Thanks to Carl for organising it and I am looking forward to competing again next year.' The event has really taken off this year and Christie Peel (Laser 4.7), the winner of the Fast Handicap said it had been 'extremely fun' adding 'especially for someone that has taken a while to really enjoy racing. The relaxed nature of the races and competing against adults has really helped boost my confidence, not just the physical parts but also tactics and applying rules – vocally. After the series I have gained a lot more enthusiasm for racing and encourage everyone of all abilities and ages to take part. I know I will definitely be taking part in more.'
It is looking good for next year when the winners will be back, challenged no doubt by this year's runners up Luke Beuvink (Fast Handicap), Lizzie Rands (Slow Handicap) and Angus Beale (Optimist).
The dinghies take a fortnight's break now before the start of the ever popular Snow Globe winter series on the 12 November.