Billy No Mates

Light winds dominated the RS700 racing at the Billy No Mates Trophy

April 26th saw the second annual Billy-No-Mates Open and the third round of the RS700 Fat-Face circuit at Carsington Sailing Club, Derbyshire.

Nine RS700’s were greeted with blue skies and a ‘steady’ force four south westerly wind; perfect 700 racing conditions.

In an unusual move, this event was being held amongst a larger, mixed fleet of single-handers, which meant that the competitors enjoyed a busy start line with 41 boats jostling for position. A slightly different course configuration than normal (a windward leeward with wide spreader marks at the top and bottom of the course) created an interesting new challenge, needing some lightning fast responses on the main sheet to keep the boat upright.

Race one started cleanly. Jon Heissig took the first line honours with Nigel Walbank second and Pete Shaw following behind in third.

The Race Officer, Henry Wright, quickly re-set the line and race two got off to a clean start. This time racing was close between Heissig, Walbank and Allen. With the lead changing places several times, Heissig took a swim on a gybe in the penultimate lap leaving Allen clear to take first place, with Heissig second, followed by Walbank in third.

Whilst waiting for the course to be re-set, competitors were provided with welcome refreshments (water and chocolate bars) from the safety boat in an attempt to recharge tired muscles.

Race three got underway with the wind easing off slightly. Chris Wright showed the fleet a clean pair of heels at the start, but the familiar sight of Heissig, Walbank and Allen chasing each other around the course soon returned, with them finishing in that order.

Sadly, due to the complete lack of wind racing was abandoned at midday. Although this was not the best way to finish the weekend, the good racing from Saturday made up for it.

In June the fleet returns to the south coast for the next event on the 2008 Fat Face Circuit at Lymington Town SC.