Snow Globe race 1 and 2 Report

On Saturday 11^th November the dinghy fleet kicked off their Snow Globe Series, which for the first Saturday also included the Corinthain Otters competing in their end of season Brass Monkey Trophy meaning we had 37 dinghies racing. There were 24 in fast handicap competing for the Snow Globe with visiting sailors from the BSC and Up River Yacht Club. Sailing was in perfect and sunny autumn conditions and the Course was a start with an outer distance mark with a beat up to West Quay, then a run down to number 3 before sailing back through the line with two laps to make the race.

The first race started in westerly 10-13kts and a push tide which caused one boat to be over, unfortunately another 5 boats also thought they were over, causing cries of ‘what are you doing?’ coming from one of the parents (me) in the race box. Steve and Alison Hall sailing their Merlin Rocket showed the fleet a clean set of heals sailing away from the fleet to win in what looked like a large lead but on handicap with the Merlin Rocket being the fastest boat it was only 40 seconds on corrected. Second was James Hutton-Penman sailing his ILCA 6 and Keith Gilmore also sailing an ILCA 6. Top Otter was Nathan Flynn also sailing an ILCA 6. Our retiring Rear Commodore of sailing was clearly not happy with having the Blaze fleet not being mentioned and spotted a loophole in the rules and finished on the south shore. He now gets a mention as I have now had to amend the sailing instructions…. Thank you.

At 11 the RCYC observed the 2 minutes silence with included the club firing the cannons for the Remembrance service.

The second race started shortly after in slightly less wind of 8-10kts. The tide had turned and was now ebbing which meant short taking and the wind had swing a bit to the north which meant large shift and wind holes. This provided for intense racing right in front of the club for all to watch. For the second race Steve and Alison Hall showed the fleet a clean set off heels again but this time they won by one and a half minutes on handicap. Second was James Hutton Penman ahead of Charlie Matthews in his Blaze and Nick Milton (just to get another mention) in fourth. Another brilliant performance was Otter Nathan Flynn coming 5^th.

Please come to the RCYC as this is a great event to watch from in the club with the racing for two hours with the first start at 10:30.

Thank you to all of the volunteers in the race box and on the support RIBS, without you we would not be able to have such a good event. We are always looking for volunteers so if you would like to support this event please let the RCYC Office know.

Adam Prior

Dinghy Class Captain

Find the Yachts and Yachting report here for the RCYC Snow Globe: https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/268918/The-RCYC-Snow-Globe-races-1-and-2