First blood to Zelda

A report Skandia Cowes Week and the largest gathering of J/109s ever

The largest gathering of J/109s (39 boats) arrived in Cowes for the first race of Skandia Cowes Week. The fleet split on the start for a short beat to Peters & May with Zelda (Ben Richards/Michael Ewart-Smith) and Johnny Blue II (Jeff Dakin) choosing the island side whilst Shiva (Matt Boyle) together with Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis) took the mainland side, with those who chose the island gaining the advantage. The majority of today’s race comprised a number of fetches across the Solent from the island to the mainland requiring the fleet to avoid a strong westerly flow.

A run from Hampstead Ledge to Skandia saw many of the J/109 fleet having difficulty with the tidal gate at the mark rounding, which allowed the fleet to compress and the race started again. A beat to George Hotel saw the predicted top runners Zelda and Shiva find their form as they gybe set to the mainland and the majority of the fleet including Jet (James & John Owen) and Offbeat (David McLeman) followed, while Firestorm (Jon Perry), Red Arrow (RAFSA) and Jahmali favoured the tidal advantage of the island. A long run back to West Lepe saw the wind building and with a couple of gybe marks there were some fantastic photograph opportunities! A drop at South Bramble before a fetch to Prince Consort and a final beat to finish saw Designstar 2 (Roger Phillips) lose out to Mojito (Gary & Sasha Fry) and Jahmali.

Results:

1st – Zelda (Ben Richards/Michael Ewart-Smith)
2nd – Offbeat (David McLeman)
3rd – Beth (Christopher Sharples/Richard Acland)
4th – Shiva (Matt Boyle)
5th – Johnny Blue II (Jeff Dakin)