While the Southport 24hr race attracted a good selection of our members, club racing was held alongside the annual Tinker Rally. Forecast high winds may have deterred a few takers, but they need not have worried as conditions were very sailable, and the wind didn’t pick up until we tweeted that there wasn’t much!
The weather was mixed with sunshine and showers, a couple heavy, and there were mixed fortunes throughout the afternoon. Jim C was sailing his Supernova for a change and led both races winning the first one, but the heavier conditions in the second race suited the GPs and it was Joan/Jack that secured the winning position on handicap. Tony King is getting to grips with his Solo, finishing the day with two 2nds.
Nigel made a welcome return to the water, and despite a collision at the start of the second race, he was first to the windward mark.
Joan/Jack led overnight, with two races on Sunday started in a stronger than expected southerly could they keep their cool and fight off challenges from Banter et al. As it happened, Banter was a bit too eager to start and was called back (though he did suggest others were further over the line than him!), and promptly capsized, before making a sharp exit ashore. The course/conditions didn’t suit a couple of others who retired also.
AJ/Sue put in a good performance winning the first race ahead of Joan and Chris/Julie. The wind eased slightly in the afternoon but Banter kept his head to win, with Joan 2nd, and AJ 3rd.
Overall, Joan/Jack held on to their lead, and AJ/Sue’s 1st split the tie with Tony in their favour
The Tinkers were enjoying the conditions so much they had a total of six races, and had a tie for 1st overall that was split by the results of the final race with Alastair Parker pushing the regular winner Malcolm Ellwood into 2nd place. Vice Commodore Robin Dawson gave a vote of thanks, and his daughter Amber presented the prizes.
Our Southport team survived without major mishap (apart from being over at the start?) to finish 16th overall.