Vane 36 race Saturday 4th July.

Nine skippers and mates, plus several helpers and observers, turned up for the July 4th event.  It was a superb day; warm, sunny, and in the gusty breeze from the south-west skippers opted for No 3 rigs.  The fleet comprised Diversion and Sybora designs, with two of the Diversions trialling some interesting new fin configurations.  The strong winds led to high boat speeds, which enabled four heats to be completed before an hour’s lunch break.  This early break allowed necessary repairs to Mike Dann's 'Crazy Diamond', last year’s championship winner.  After lunch the breeze dropped slightly, although if anything, rig three just became a little more comfortable.

Peter Fothergill and Paul Edwards sailed superbly to win overall with 29 points, racking up a hefty lead even before lunch!  Second with 24 points were Mervyn Cook and Barry White, who were a little rusty to begin with but found improved form as the day wore on.  Third with 21 points were Anthony Warren and Lester Gilbert, who had found remarkable down-wind speed, winning the overall downwind legs by 12 points to the nearest 8.  Fourth was Mike Dann with 14 points, who like Jacque Cook and Eric Meighen with 12 points had suffered some heart-breakingly close 'just beaten' finishes.

The points tally, however, tended to disguise the closeness of the racing, with a several of the races unsettled until the final few feet of the board: That last streak of breeze which accelerates on boat or causes the other to broach.  Vane sailing at its best!

Next Sunday, the 12th, the magnificent Vane A's will be sailing.  Why not come and sail with us?

Mervyn Cook