Empty harbour for 14s

Rob Sutherland on rugby match clearing the waters for round one of the Itchenor Perry Pot

The Itchenor 14 fleet took advantage of a beautiful sunny autumn day for the first weekend in the six weekend series, a gentle northwesterly Force 2 to Force 3 and an empty harbour, after watching the rugby semi-final England against France. Thanks to the slick race management (nice one Tom and Sibby!), 5 short races were held for 11 boats.

The first race starting at 11.30 was a Club line start, beat up tide to Deep End, on to Rookwood and finish at Park. Archie Massey lead from the start to the finish (can't say from the gun as none of the hooters worked!) followed by Andrew Penman. The main amusement of the race was Katie Nurton being mounted from behind by Pete Dann on the finish line, but thankfully she emerged smiling.

The second race was a 3 lap windward-leeward between a special mark on the Rookwood shore and Astra. The breeze was coming in nicely with big swings. After a close race, Archie Massey took line honours but wasjudged to be OCS, leaving Andrew Penman to take the bullet, followed by The Beast being piloted by Charlie Duchesne who had found a fast route on the right side of the beat which others were slow to take advantage of.

The third race was a two lap sprint round the same course. The early leader was The Beast, again making good ground through the shifts on the upwind legs. However Andrew and Archie both came past on the last beat and in a close finish, Andrew flew through the downwind finish just ahead of Archie.

The fourth race was over the same course in the best of the breeze. Pete Dann led off the closely packed starts line and reached the top mark with a good lead. The kite hoist was quick and they took off downwind, but Tim Oldham who was approaching the mark on port had not left enough room for them and paid for this by being plucked from the wire by Pete Dann's kite halyard. He went 10ft up in the air, both boats stopped very suddenly and fell in. Thankfully the only damage was a broken trapeze elastic. Wish I had my camera! Archie and Andrew took advantage of Pete's misfortune and went on to take first and second respectively.

The last race was beat up to Star, Astra, Wear and Club line finish. Archie lead from the start and the only hitch was the fact that Thorney Island SC had very efficiently lifted the Star mark, so the rescue boat became Star just as Archie was arriving! Archie used his extensive local knowledge and impressive boat speed to stretch his lead and finished at
13:50hrs. A close battle developed between Andrew Penman and the Pascalis for second and third. The Pascalis took a well deserved second right on the finish line when Andrew gybed away from the bank – before that race, they had very consistently racked up three thirds and a fourth place.

A good time was had by all and many thanks go to the people who were on duty. Tom Trevelyan and Sibby, Roll and Caroline. Average points coming your way!

Boat No Helm Crew Points after 5 races no discard !
1479 Andrew Penman Tim Bastow 8.5
1456 Martin Pascal Robin Pascal 15
1470 Archie Massey George Nurton 16.5
1487 Peter Dann Dom 27
1463 Charlie Duck Louise 27