Red Funnel keelboat

A report from the penultimate race for the season

The penultimate Red Funnel Championship of the season, organised by Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, saw Richard Ottoway sailing Decoy eliminate the Daring Class with three wins in the three races sailed. Two other boats, namely Bedrock sailed by
Stuart Childerly in the International Etchell Class, and Apalala, Chris Caws in the Dragons, each achieved two wins.

On Saturday, the Race Committee delayed the start for one hour whilst waiting for the wind to settle. Once the true wind arrived, competitors enjoyed some keen racing with Bedrock winning both Etchell races from Mtu Moja Na Umbwa Yake (N Razmilovic). The second Etchell race saw eight Etchells finish in very close order. In both races for the Daring class, Decoy beat Darius into second place with Decanter and Diamond filling the third positions. In the Dragon class, Jalina and Apalala each scored one win and one second.

Sunday’s forecast gales did not materialise and racing was started in a light easterly breeze that faded and eventually turned the second beat into a run. The Race Committee shortened courses for the Darings and Dragons. Decoy winning from Devious and Doublet in the Darings, and Apalala and Jalina continued their dual in the Dragons with Apalala scoring her second win of the weekend. Only two Etchells completed the full course with Mtu Moja Na Umbwa Yake winning from Katemba.

Sunday’s second race was cancelled due to a lack of wind.

Saturday.
First Race
Etchells Bedrock, Mtu Moja Na Umbwa Yake,
Darings Decoy, Darius, Decanter
Dragons Jalina, Apalala, Caramba

Second Race
Etchells Bedrock, Mtu Moja Na Umbwa Yake, Bushfire
Darings Decoy, Darius, Diamond
Dragons Apalala, Jalina, Supremacy

Sunday.
First Race
Etchells Mtu Moja Na Umbwa Yake, Katemba
Darings Decoy, Devious, Doublet
Dragons Apalala, Jalina, Phase II