Bassenthwaite is pleased to be hosting the Mirror Spring Championship this weekend. Unfortunately storm Dave decided to gatecrash the event, so racing was brought forward to Noon with the expectation that at least some races could be sailed before the winds picked up.
As forewarned, the fleet was too eager at the start so there was a general recall on the first start and the U flag was immediately introduced, with everyone being well behaved thereafter. Just after the first start the wind picked up, and almost half the fleet immediately headed ashore. A few more retired after a gust flattened three boats part way up the first beat. The strong winds continued throughout the race, but there wasn’t any nasty squalls.
James/Meris Date from Burghfield took the honours, with Will/Izzy Crocker from North Lincs 2nd, and Phil/Lucy Smith from Bass 3rd.
The OD gave finishers the option as to whether they wanted another race, and as there was only one descenter, race two was held shortly after.
With the wind picking up, it veered slightly causing it to come round, and over, Sale Fell, casting a bit of a shadow over the course, so the boats started the beat by reaching to the windward mark before briefly hitting the shadow, and picking up the southerly. This time there were a few gusts, one of which caught out the two leading boats.
With just five finishers, Andy/Olivia Tunicliffe from Bass were 1st, James/Meris 2nd, and Phil/Lucy 3rd.
Although conditions still seemed sailable, the wind was continuing to increase in phases, so it was decided to postpone racing for the rest of the day, and no club racing was held.
James/Meris take the overnight lead, with Phil/Lucy 2nd.
Photos (C) Nick Smith