Well, Thursday’s Night Jar wasn’t one of Bass’ finest evenings to be sure! But it worked out ok in the end. Despite no regular Safety Cover, the OD was able to use a line from the race office on a reaching start with a course 3-5-0.
The SW wind was brisk enough for the lead competitors to complete the first lap in less than 30 minutes so a decision was made to send the whole fleet around for a further lap. However, soon after this had been made, the wind shadow from the western shore rapidly extended to reach beyond 0 and the lay line to 3. The back of the fleet was going nowhere between 1 and 3 while the front runners were beating for the finish in calm waters.
But credit is due to those who persevered. Mike & Joan Cowan in their RS200 who had led from the start crossed the line nearly five minutes ahead of the next finishers who were the Fifteens helmed by Chris Rolle and Rory Yardley.
On Fleet Handicap results showed husband and wife crews in the first four places. The Cowans won from Val & Ken Bell. Joan and Jack Hardie in their newly acquired GP14 were third ahead of Chris & Julie Rolle.
Awards in this series are based on Personal Handicap and, here, the Cowans were declared winners by more than a minute from the Rolles with the Bells in the final podium place.
As communal food was, regrettably, missing some competitors headed for home while others were supported by the bar!