Sunshine and a light northerly breeze greeted a fleet of 23 boats for this year’s Great North Asymmetric Challenge.
The wind proved to be a challenge when it came to setting the course as it kept alternating between the North and the West – the key was getting the timing right! There was a general recall for the first start, but everyone was much better behaved thereafter.
Generally the leader at the windward mark was able to break away, but not true for the rest of the fleet as places were readily gained and lost through wind shifts, and gusts passing through. By the fourth and final race of the day, the wind was settling from the west and settling in strength, but everyone had had enough and headed back to shore.
Chris Pickles and Matt Sharman lead overnight with three 1sts and a 3rd, with Scumper and Zefer 2nd, having won the first race, and another couple of 2nds
Sunday started with clear skies and a general lack of wind, but it did fill in just in time for the first race, not that the sailors fully expected it, or were prepared!
The wind was not as shifty as Saturday but the strength varied from time to time again giving opportunities to gain and lose several places in moments!
There was a premature starter in each race, but several other boats had a conscience in the second start as they returned as well!!
After lunch the wind freshened for the best breeze of the weekend, and the first (and only) capsize. There was some good planing conditions at times. Chris Pickles continued his mastery of the conditions, leading the results at every stage, with Scumper and Zefer chasing their hardest and finishing 2nd overall. Commodore Robin Dawson with daughter Erin, finished 3rd overall in their RS200.
