Congratulations to Graham Camm And Zoe Ballantyne who won both the Burton Cup Race and the overall trophy, but only by beating Jo Richards and Sophie Mackley on countback.
For results page click here
Day 1 report:
The day started ominously with strong wind and rain driving across the boat park. At the 11.30 introductory briefing the race officer announced that the day’s racing would take place inside the harbour after the cadets (who are sharing the venue) had completed their two races.
At around 2.15pm with the wind having eased very slightly the 12 fleet were given permission to launch, and though there were some who decided to stay ashore a significant proportion of the 75 strong fleet took to the water. Retirements began shortly after with assorted breakages, whether mast, rudder or crew. Jon Ibbotson and Charl Stewart stormed to victory in their new Dead Cat Bounce, Jo Richards and Sophie Mackley (last year’s winners) were second and Richard Williams and Lindsey Iles in their Final Chapter took third, sailing the majority of the race with no tiller extension.
Race 2 did not take place due to the attrition rate, which was perhaps fortunate as the wind increased after the end of the first race as the fleet headed back to shore. So, with day 1 of Burton Week now complete (although many will be working into the evening on their repairs) we look forward to an improved forecast of 14 – 16 knts tomorrow and who knows, maybe some sunshine.
Day 2 Report
The day started bright and early with the fleet leaving shore at 9.45 and with the loss of race yesterday it was decided to run a third race today. With the wind at around 15knts the fleet took little time to reach the 3 miles to the start area. The first race got away after the second attempt with the wind rapidly rising to 18-20knts. With three laps it was an energy sapping race but Jo and Sophie took the win with Steve and Andy screaming into second place in their foiling foolish. Unfortunately this was to be their only race completed of the day as their pintles gave way shortly into the second race.
Race 2 and the wind had risen again, but coming over the land from the northwest it was proving to be shifty and gusty. In the gusts it was almost a repeat of day one, as de-powering became a major focus to most. Graham and Zoe took the bullet having put the loss of the wings on their foils on day 1 behind them. Second place was taken by Kevin and Jane.
Race three and there were some tired competitors by this time. The race was shortened to a lap and a beat of a Burton sized course allowing the competitors to avoid a further beat home from the leeward mark. After a restart the race was again sailed in some significant breeze, this time being won by Jo and Sophie.
So after four races in breeze, and four different winners the leader board is an open affair with a a range of people vying for the overall title. The forecast drop in wind for tomorrows Burton cup will be welcome by many, just as long as it does not drop too much. FURTHER REPORTS