35 knots help blow the cobwebs away

A report from JOG's North Sails Nab Tower Race

Having had the first two races of the season cancelled due to bad eather, the JOG fleet was itching to blow the cobwebs away with the North Sails Nab Tower race and they were not to be disappointed.

With 65 boats entered, there was plenty of good close racing and spectacle across the three fleets in some challenging conditions.

At the start, the wind was already blowing more than forecast, and the fleets were set for a downwind blast to the Forts, followed by a reach to the Nab Tower and then a beat back against wind and tide to the finish at Gurnard.

Given the wind strength the race officer elected to use the extended start line, meaning there was plenty of room for all boats to set-up for the first clearing mark Prince Consort.

Class 5 lead the way with a 9AM start with Classes 4 and 3 starting at 30 minute intervals, all with clean starts.

The strength and wind angle favoured the lighter boats for the first leg to the Forts and on to the Nab Tower. The upwind back leg back to Cowes now favoured the heavier boats and in all classes it was a question of whether or not the leaders could hold onto their places until the finish.

As the race progressed the wind steadily increased from 20 knots. A number of 35 knot gusts were recorded with accompanying hail - lovely! Despite testing conditions the attrition rate was limited to nine retirements mainly due to minor gear failure.

The long standing JOG tradition of an after race get together was upheld at the King and Queen in Hamble, giving the crews an opportunity to share their experiences of a great days racing.

Winners
Class - Trophy - Boat - Skipper
Class 3 - Wai Aniwha Trophy - Sanguma - Chris Walmsley
Class 4 - BLRA 1/2 Ton Cup - Only Just - Andy Hill
Class 5 - BLRA 1/4 Ton Cup - Xarifa - Teresa Whelan

The next race will be Hayling Bay on 26 April followed by a get together at the Island Sailing Club. For further details and individual race reports please visit www.jog.org.uk