A grand day for watching from the shore. For many on the water, a mare of a day...
By Diane Nelson
T’was a chilly but relatively sunny afternoon for Round Eight of Part Two of the Sunday Taggart’s Icebreaker Series.
Racers left the slipways during high tide onto flat seas, with the wind blowing 5-6 knots from the North, building to 10 knots and slightly lumpy seas as the race progressed.
Race Officer Cat Gallagher and her team delivered a cracking race plan, resulting in a deliciously long race. Sailors were sent on two laps of triangle course six, followed by one to two laps of triangle course 14 depending on class. Those who failed to spot the course change merrily sailed their way to an NSC (Did Not Sail the Course). In the same vein, shore observers noted that not all sailors are aware of the requirement to sail around the black finish buoy (F)- not only at race finish, but to complete each lap correctly.
A culmination of errors- including sailors racing without having entered- (major no-no), others failing to sign in, OCS’s, NSC’s, and retirements- presented quite the challenge for the battery hens and the scoring team. That said, they were their usual calm and efficient selves. A sincere thank you from all sailors for your patience and humour.
The RS AERO fleet of four produced a terrifically tight battle. Des Magee (RS AERO 6) took first place and later presented himself with the mint version of the coveted Aero bar, which he generously shared- thank you, Des. A mere nine seconds later, Christina Cunningham (RS AERO 6) claimed second, with Sandra Halliwell (RS AERO 5) finishing third. Mitch Chambers rounded out the fleet in fourth and is looking forward to improved speed when his new boat arrives.
Four RS 400s and one Melges 15 made up the Fast Handicap fleet. Gareth Flannigan and Knox Ward (RS 400) were leading the charge when they discovered they had been sailing the incorrect course, and along with another similarly wayward competitor, took early retirement.
Sinéad Byrne and crew Paddy Oliver (Melges 15) claimed first place, with Robin Flannigan and crew Rory (RS 400) in second. Third place went to David Fletcher and Ryan Smith (RS 400), who crossed the line having battled a spinnaker tear on the final lap- a finish all the more commendable for it.
Four ILCA 6s took to the start line, with Jess Winton taking top step, BYC Honorary Treasurer Jonny McAllister in second, and Ian Taylor in third. NI Sailing were undertaking training at BYC over the weekend, with some squad members, not registered for the race, opting to participate in the race.
Another week, another general recall for the fleet of 23 ILCA 7s- the vocal celebrations from the other fleets were noted, if unfortunately not captured on video.
There was considerable shouting and squabbling at one point, as some sailors spotted the course change, some misremembered the new course number, some missed it entirely, and at least one appeared to be navigating by instinct alone. One sailor who had neglected to check the course board received his comeuppance when an official reminded him, with a wry grin, that he had also failed to sign in.
From the shore, observers also noted a couple of young shavers with a distinct inclination for *rocking/propulsion- poor habit, and poor form.
Hold onto your hat and perform a curtsy- chapeau to Mark Mackey, who took first place. Conor Simms took second, with Mike Kimber in third.
The Multihull fleet of three was won by Adrian Allan and Barry Swanston. Matt McNichol and crew in second place, with Richard Swanston and Toby Collins taking third- Toby found himself in a short but spirited battle with their spinnaker mid-race- the sail ultimately conceding defeat and returned to its bag.
Sally Nixon and Jessica Dadley-Young took victory in the Slow Handicap race in their RS FEVA XL, and Aaron Moore claimed first in the Topper fleet.
Finally, Ed Winton claimed first place in the Whiskey Cup fleet- ahead of no-one else.
As always, a huge and heartfelt thank you to all onshore and offshore volunteers, without whom none of this organised sailing would be possible.
⚓ From the depths of sailing knowledge:
– *Sailing rule 42: Propulsion. World sailing provides a neat summary:
Core Principle: Boats must use only wind and water to change speed. Crew can trim sails and hull, but cannot use body movement to propel the boat.
Prohibited Actions:
- Pumping – repeatedly fanning sails in/out (not in response to wind/waves)
- Rocking – repeatedly rolling the boat via body movement, sail adjustment, or steering
- Ooching – sudden forward body lunge stopped abruptly (allowed in waves, banned on flat water)
- Sculling – repeatedly moving the helm forcefully to drive the boat forward
- Excessive tacking/gybing – repeated manoeuvres unrelated to wind changes or tactics
Permitted Exceptions:
- Rolling to help steer (e.g. heeling to bear away or head up)
- Exaggerated rolling through a tack or gybe, provided the boat doesn’t exit faster than it entered
- One pump per wave/gust to initiate surfing or planing (not on a beat to windward)
- Sculling to turn from above close-hauled back to a close-hauled course
- Repeatedly moving the helm to slow down
- Any propulsion to help someone in danger
- Using crew force to get clear after grounding or collision
- Engine use if permitted by sailing instructions
