The forecast was for increasing wind so six Laser Radials (including our one visitor – Charlie Felgate from CBYC) and one Topaz lined up for the first race in a force 4 south-easterly. Jason hit the line right on time but Steve, pointing higher, managed to sail over him to reach the first mark first, closely followed by Jason and the other Radials. Jason surged past on the run (described as a broad reach by some) and was first to complete the lap.
The same thing happened the next lap, but with Andrew pushing hard and tacking off, it was very close at the end of the beat. Jason surged past again and with the wind building to force 5 and the waves getting exciting something happened to Andrew letting Charlie into 3rd place. Steve managed to get far enough ahead of Jason to not be caught on the run and by the fourth lap, as the winds gusted to force 6, he was in his element. Jason held on in second with Charlie and Andrew fighting for 3rd place. On the final run Andrew attempted a late charge and tried to get an inside line on the mark, but it was not to be. He capsized and allowed Charlie a clear run to the finish. Robin, Andy and Karl succumbed to too many capsizes and retired.
The second race was started but soon abandoned to allow competitors and the Patrol Boat to get ashore before conditions worsened. Unfortunately the by now torrential rain had soaked off the barbecue and the whole event came to a soggy conclusion.
Many thanks to the wonderful safety and shore party who thankfully got everyone ashore in one piece in pretty atrocious conditions.