Racing cancelled

Excess wind stops play in Tyco Healthcare Hamble Winter Series

In theatrical terms the end of the first act of the Tyco Healthcare Hamble Winter Series was accompanied by a crescendo of noise, the sound of the first of the Autumnal gales howling its way across the Solent.

All racing on Day 4 had to be cancelled, much to the disappointment of first time sponsors, Arcona Yachts. In the past four weeks there have been towering performances from Eurof Phillips & Barbara Mackay (IRC 3), Tony Dodd (IRC 4) and Ian Dawson (X-332) who have won all their races. In all the other classes there are several teams that could reasonably expect to win the series when it finishes in early December.

The intermission next week is for the Charity Pursuit race. This is open to everyone, not just the Winter Series competitors. There is no fixed entry fee. Donations are accepted for the three nominated charities; the Hamble Inshore Lifeboat, the John Merrick’s Trust and for the first time Sail 4 Cancer. All the profits will be divided equally between these worthy causes. Last year the Club was able to give £1,500 to both the Hamble Lifeboat and the John Merrick’s Trust. Contact the club, 023 8045 2070, or its website for full details. There is a special prize giving after the race with a charity auction to further drag money from willing pockets.

Act Two of the Winter Series begins on Sunday, 9 November and the hope is for a return to the fine weather we had on the first three weeks.