Island Race, May 12
The first event in the POETS Island cruiser racing series held at Ullswater Yacht Club took place on Friday, May 12, with a race five miles up the lake to Norfolk Island and back. It was bitterly cold on the water but a reasonable amount of wind and the promise of some sunshine resulted in a good turnout of seven boats.
David Hansford who was sailing singlehanded in his Pegasus got off to a prompt start and led all the way to the narrows at Halsteads. Three of other the boats had taken an increase in their race handicap by using spinnakers and as the wind dropped slightly they pulled in front. The Hunter Europas of Sam Harding with Richard Sealby and Raymond Harle with John Wales were first to round the Island in a good time of about one hour. Colin Brown sailing with David Giles as crew managed to catch the two leaders on the way back to the club line and a good tacking contest took place three boats.
Colin Brown eventually finished well ahead of the other boats on time but his high starting handicap based on last year's results and his use of a spinnaker meant that he only finished in fourth place. The top three results were: 1st Sam Harding and Richard Sealby, 2nd Raymond Harle and John Wales, 3rd David Hansford.
- David Hansford
Last updated 19:02 on 13 November 2023