SINGLE HANDED RACE, 26th September, 2004

The single-handed race was a glorious day on the water enhanced by a good turnout of boats
The day opened with thick fog on the water but this was clearing by the time racers were
preparing boats. The Start was delayed to 1015 and a light wind from the S.East commenced
about the same time. It was a leisurely start that improved at we tacked to Second Sister. At this
point the wind failed us and we watched a good wind on the water develop from the North West
and sweep all the boats together again. FANDANGO who had been way in front was joined by
AQUILA MIA and WESTWIND. These two picking up the new wind first.

At Batt Rock it was FANDANGO, AQUILA MIA, WESTWIND, ALACRITY, JEEKERS! and
either SOUL DANCER, YEOMAN or FINAL DASH then ORACLE. By now the Northerly
wind had picked up sufficient to give us 6.5 knots plus. With a clear sky, a warm wind and bright
autumnal colours on the land it was truly a great ride.

With U62 rounded the beat to Welbury needed careful steering to stay above the mark. It was
then back to Batt Rock, which was a dead run. With NFS for this race some elected to wing on
wing with a pole while others tacked down wind. I do not think there was much advantage either
way. Though out this race FANDANGO remained the leader by a respectable margin while
WESTWIND held off ALACRITY and so it was to the finish. The wind was light at the finish and
more than one racer found themselves having to tack off the breakwater to make the finish transit.
A great days racing.

Results time on time. Ratings adjusted for NFS