A select fleet of 13 boats arrived in the pouring rain at Restronguet Sailing Club on Sat 9th August to compete in the Trio National Championships. Racing commenced on Sunday morning in an air of anticipation and slight trepidation due to the force 6 gusts.
Ian and Mary Upton snapped their jib shackle on purpose and were towed to safety just before the first race which was led by the experienced team of Mike Sydenham and Colin Broady. That was until Colin, who had clearly been watching the high board diving at Beijing, jumped overboard with a double backward somersault in the tuck position (degree of difficulty 2.4) capsizing 'White Lightening' in the process. A grateful 'Piglet' cruised past to the finish line to give the 'McCowslands'(sic) the first of two victories on the day. Congratulations to Caroline and Andrew.
Exe Sailing Club Commodore, Symon Garratt and Nicky Groucutt recorded two accomplished second places although Symon does face an enquiry concerning the bruising on Nicky's legs. We all returned safe and sound. As the evening grew older Colin's leap became a greater degree of difficulty and there was general agreement that the gusts were at least force 7, probably 8.
Race 1
Good F5 with gusts of F6. Restronguet Committee boat moved. Course 11 - Quad 2 shuttles. The Trios were the 3rd class to start using 'U' flag ('you are running into danger'). Go with the Flow 428 had a good start at the committee boat end . White lightening gained an impressive lead on the first boat. They held this lead until disaster struck when they capsized on the last leg. This allowed Piglet to take 1st place chased by Abigail Rose 2nd and Go with the flow 3rd. Red Baron was 4th - they stormed up the beats, but having only taken delivery of their new boat 2 weeks earlier, declined to hoist the spinnaker.
Race 2
It got chilly waiting for the start. Course 7 - two triangles. If anything the wind increased a little, certainly the gusts were vicious. There was a keen start. The heavier crews dominated the first beat. Lionel was up with the leaders, dominated by Piglet who planed down the free legs. White Lightening capsized in the race in losing another excellent chance. The strong gusts on the spinnaker reaches gave some white knuckle rides. Piglet 1st, Abigail Rose 2nd, Lionel 3rd, Go with the flow 4th. Everyone was glad to get back to the shelter of Restronguet Club where conditions felt positively benign. Various reports of stress of weather were recorded. Celtic Blaze had a forestay shackle break. Contagious capsized and the centreboard jammed. Ariel capsized and was holed by an errant mirror. Morale's were boosted by hot showers, pasties and warm teas.
Torrential rain yesterday, strong winds today. Could we please have some moderate winds and sunshine tomorrow - it is the middle of August!
Race 3.
Course 7 (2 triangles). Light breeze. Start line biased to pin end. A good start however the wind was fluky and shifty, resulting in many place changes. Heavy weight Lionel was well up, behind Piglet who established a good lead. Red Baron and Contagious were also in contention. Go with the Flow managed to pass these two on the last reach to the leeward mark to gain a 3rd place.
Race 4.
Course 7. Wind filled in and strengthened to F3. An amazing start from Bill Gott, who crossed the fleet on port. Fred & Deb well up. White Lightening was first around the windward mark. Piglet was mid fleet. By sailing low in the first reach and deep in the second reach they pulled back to the lead. Go with the Flow in mid fleet was hindered with other classes. At the last leeward mark an Enterprise failed to give water to Contagious. When are we to get some sunshine? McAuslands now have four firsts and have won the championships, but there are lots of contenders for second and third position overall.
Race 5.
Course 7. Discussions before hand in the boat park about what the wind was really like. Then with news that it was only 22 knots gusting 25 , 8 boats went out. The previous evening there had been lengthy discussions about "having the reefing lines", this was a day to show their usefulness. On the first beat White Lightening had built a lead and took it carefully by not gybing at the leeward mark. The race for second place was very close and was won by a nose by Tony Brewster helming Ariel with reefed sails from Steve Ashford and Martin Yeomans with full rig in Lionel.
Race 6.
By now it was gusting up to 28knots with occasional hail-storms . Most of the boats, not in top place contention had had enough, and headed home, but the 3 diehards fought it out. Lionel's ten stone crew was sporting a thick ear, which contrary to much opinion was actually achieved by being "whipped" by flailing jib sheets.