23 dinghies took to the water at Brading Haven for the last 2 races of the Icebreaker Series on Sunday (20th March).
The conditions were perfect for racing as the sun was shining, and the wind was blowing a Force 4 from an easterly direction.
In the 1st race, a long windward beat to Buoy 10A was set, followed by a run down to Buoy 14 with reaches to Buoy Y, in the harbour, and then to Buoy 17. The Fast Handicap had to complete 4 rounds whilst the Slow Handicap and the Scows completed 2.
Stuart Gummer in his Devoitte sped out in front closely pursued by the Lasers of Harry White and Charlie White with Kristian Schafer also in the mix.
Phil Wright in his Pico (Racing Sail) took command in the Slow Handicap, with Dawn Bee, also in a Pico (Racing Sail), just behind. Alex Ridgewell, the up-and-coming cadet, maintained his position in 3rd, sailing his Tera Pro.
In the Scows, Martin Palmer took an early lead. Meanwhile, Paul Gould and Chris Wilkinson battled it out as they rounded Buoy 17. Jodie Spence took advantage and came in 2nd.
In the 2nd race, the same course was given to the Fast Handicap, although it was shortened to 2 rounds. The Slow Handicap and Scows course was altered, so instead of Buoy 10A, they went to Buoy 12, but they still had to complete 2 rounds.
In the Fast Handicap, Tony Burton in the Aero 9 challenged Stuart Gummer for the lead and was 1st over the line by exactly 1 minute. However, it was the Lasers who triumphed on handicap.
In the Slow Handicap, Phil Wright led the way with Dawn Bee coming in 2nd, followed closely by Catherine Brading Palmer in her Pico (Training sail).
Buoy 17 proved tricky again for the Scows and eventually defeated Chris Wilkinson, who retired. Martin Palmer commanded the field whilst Jodie Spence came in 2nd, followed by Paul Gould.
This was the last event in the series. 8 out of the 12 races scheduled were sailed as 2 weekends were affected by storms. The overall results for the series are as follows:
Fast Handicap.
- Harry White, (Royal Victoria Yacht Club)
- Charlie White, (Royal Victoria Yacht Club)
- Kristian Schafer (Brading Haven)
Slow Handicap.
- Phil Wright (Gurnard Sailing Club)
- Dawn Bee (Gurnard Sailing Club)
- Catherine Brading Palmer (Yarmouth Sailing Club)
Scows
- Martin Palmer (Yarmouth Sailing Club)
- Jodie Spence (Brading Haven)
- Paul Gould (Brading Haven)
