Record Entries in 2007 Single Handed Series

The RNSA Plymouth Single Handed Series continues to go from strength to strength, attracting a record number of entries in 2007

There was a healthy entry of twenty-five for Salcombe One, the first race of the season, but the forecast was so dire that only the Branch Chairman went to the start line. However, we got another good entry of twenty-two yachts for the St Mawes Race, and although two retired, a fair tide coupled with a close fetch on port tack got everyone else there in record time, it being almost unheard of to find the back markers in at teatime.

Dartmouth had sixteen starters, one of whom retired as his self-steering broke.After a drift out of the Sound, a light SSW wind took us to Start Point, when it moved round to the west to take us on to Dartmouth. It is encouraging that first, second and third are RNSA members. Saturday lunchtime saw what is becoming the traditional pub run to Dittisham onboard Robin Lloyd-Williams Trintella Stigandi.

Later, eight yachts started for St Peter Port, but the weather was so unpleasant that three retired. The subsequent Brittany cruise saw those that crossed the Channel weather bound in France for a prolonged period.

There was a record field of twenty-seven yachts for the Fowey Race, all of which got there. There was no wind at the start, so after a bit of a drifting match, we restarted from the breakwater at 1045. A light southerly wind favoured the slower boats, and almost all were in by 1700.

However, the Fowey record was broken by an entry of twenty-nine for Salcombe Two. We had the customary very light airs at the start, when some excitement was caused by the Brittany ferry wanting to use the same bit of water. The SE’ly wind then improved a bit, though not all that much where the writer was sitting, and died completely in the evening, coinciding with the turn of the tide. Only nine yachts finished, the winner being RNSA member Veryan Barneby in Quartz, his Charisma 22.

It is good to report that we have a new recruit, also with a Charisma 22. The size of the yachts on our fleet has been increasing of recent years, so it is nice to see the small ones still joining in. A total of forty different yachts have raced with us this season.

Cdr Nick Crews is taking over as Single-handers Secretary for 2008.

Record Entries in 2007 Single Handed Series The RNSA Plymouth Single Handed Series continues to go from strength to strength, attracting a record number o.... No picture available

Succesful 2007 Cruising Programme for Plymouth Branch Overall, not a bad year, given the weather in the first half of the season, with lots of fun for those attendi.... No picture available

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