(Warsash, Southampton Water, England)- For the third week running, the challenge greeting competitors in the Warsash Spring Series on 27th March was how to get their boats along in light conditions, when the breeze rarely reached double figures. Global warming perhaps? After affects of the thrice-decade "super moon" phenomenon? For Black Group, a half hour lull gave three classes a real test to round the first leeward mark where a large parking lot built up. However, a gentle wind returned, with some classes completing their courses whilst others were shortened. White Group, off Hill Head, experienced an even shiftier breeze and did well to get the planned three races in for J/80s.
IRC1-B sees Niall Dowling's crew on the J/111 ARABELLA hanging tough in very trying light and variable conditions, lying second with a very consistent 2-3-3 score and is lying in fourth overall IRC just four points outside of third.
In IRC3 Jamie and Mike Holmes J/97 JIKA-JIKA continues to lie second on a tie despite a disastrous thirteenth. In fact, tied for second is Andy Howe's J/92 BLACKJACK that has a consistent 7-8-5 for 20 points. Bill Blain's J/97 BATFISH IV is still learning the ropes and is currently in 11th.
The
sixteen boat strong J/109 class continues to see Dave Mcleman's OFFBEAT
lead the fleet with a 6-3-3, remarkably consistent despite the often
challenging conditions that leave other teams gasping for air wondering
where to go next! However, sailing nearly as well is Mike and Sarah
Wallis' JAHMALI with a 9-4-1 just two points back. And, not to be
counted out of the front of the fleet yet is Dave McGough's JUST SO with
a 3-9-5 for seventeen points. Interesting. To finish in the top three
of the J/109 class you have to be averaging under sixth (6th) place?
Holy Jersey Cows!! That's an epic, anxiety-inducing average, to beat
(or meet), eh?! To give you some perspective, last year's "high rollers"
who could do no wrong, Dave and Kirsty Apthorp's J-DREAM are blasting
along with a 4-2-18th?? Next weekend is sure to jumble the standings
again. Never, ever a dull moment in this fun, exciting racer-cruiser
class. In the J/80s, Stewart Hawthorn (JUMPING JENGA) has a three point advantage over Patrick Liardet (AQUA-J) whilst Dan Brown (HENRI-LLOYD SHOCKWAVE) in third is just one point ahead of Terry Palmer (JUST DO IT). But, lurking just behind this group is John Cooper on OI!, getting a 2-2-1 in his last three races to simply prove a point-- they're just getting tuned up and on track! For more Warsash Spring Series sailing results. Sailing Photo credits- Eddie May Gallery