On one of the few hot and sunny days experienced this year, a large fleet was anticipated. In the end 61 ILCA sailors were on the water including two involved in race management and nine visitors from Poole YC. Just falling short of the record achieved last year of 62!
Of the three ingredients required for champagne sailing conditions; wind, water and sunshine. The first and the most important was forecast to drop throughout the evening.
Race 1, started in 8 to 11 knots from the SE. With the wind decreasing throughout, the race was shortened after three legs of the four scheduled on a sausage / triangle course.
Race 2, with the wind now only 4 to 6 knots and the turn of an ILCA 6 to be gate boat, the fleet lined up to start close to the committee vessel anticipating a short line before the gate closed. Unfortunately, a wind shift resulted in the gate boat heading into the fleet and even having to tack to avoid a collision! With a general recall, everyone prepared to try again. But with the wind having now decreased further (2 – 4 knots) and every indication of further reduction, the RO made the decision to abandon racing for the day.
Results for Big Monday are available
here