ILCA race report Sunday 27th November. Despite the previous night's frivolities and grey outlook, 21 boats made it to the start line for race 9. Winds were generally 7-8 knots south westerly, the rain held off and temperatures were mild. All very civilised for late November.
The start line appeared to be favoured at the pin-end, judging by the preponderance of boats jostling for position there. Too much jostling perhaps - as we were soon recalled. Col reckoned he'd had the best start first time round, so was a bit miffed. Personally, I was glad of the re-start, having been 10 meters off the line – only to be even further back on the second attempt. My unique strategy to avoid other people's dirty wind.
After rounding the windward mark, it dropped to a miserable 4 knots. The first few boats took a very rounded route to the downwind mark and stretched away.
The wind soon picked up again to a steady 8 knots for the rest of the race.
By this stage, the fleet consisted of a small front group of Chris, Giles, Ian, Hugh and Hywel; then Donald, me and Oliver - and then a larger main group of Gayle, Tom, David, Roberta, Robert and Col, with others not far behind.
Hywel won out in the end, moving up from about 4th. According to Chris, he got a lucky wind-shift. Still - as the saying goes - you make your own luck.
Hywel, Ian and Chris were the top 7's. Oliver, Gayle and Tom were top radials.
Special congrats to Tom, who despite having his (14th) birthday party later, chose to get out on the water and race. And thanks to the RO and team for an excellent course.
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