Five reach Poole

Kathy Smalley reports on RSYC's Poole and (not) Back race

The good thing about the plethora of weather forecasts on the internet, is that they generally vary, so you can always find a forecast that suits you.

This must have been the case at the weekend for competitors in the Royal Southampton Yacht Club’s Poole and Back race.

Of the 16 entries, only half ventured out to the start area. The sun shone, and in a steady 20 knots of breeze the well-reefed competitors congregated in the start area.

Mynx (Alex Robinson) decided that it was just too windy and retired before the start, then Sylvie (Anthony Huggett) and Pastime (Peter Sidebotham) followed soon after. So then there were Five.

As all the forecasts suggested, the breeze built throughout the day, and that combined with a foul tide meant it was hard work beating down the Solent.

Ear to Eternity (Peter Whatley) revelled in the boisterous conditions and was the first to reach Hurst. She opted to continue down the Needles Channel, followed by H2Eau (Mike Short), Point North (David Norton) and Pazienza (Richard Haycock). But Jammin (Andrew Campbell), sailed for the first time by all three owners, took the shorter option of the North Channel and though being the smallest boat, was the first to finish at Poole.

"It was hard work on a smaller boat", said Andrew, who is used to sailing the much bigger Faze 3, but he and his crew were delighted to gain their first win in their new yacht.

The race back from Poole was abandoned because of the very poor forecast, so competitors were free to enjoy a summer (!) party laid on by Parkstone Yacht Club.