B14s at Lee-on-Solent

by Mark Barnes on 30 Jul 2012 The B14 flying circus rocked up at Lee-on-Solent for what was scheduled to be a nice 12-14 knots. It turned out to in fact be a force 4-5 with short steep seas, so it was a full on day on the water with nearly all teams in both fleets checking out the tide.

Race 1, the B14s were first away. With all on the pin half of the line, they were led away by Ullman Sails (Mark Watts/Kathy Sherret), H&B Consulting (Barry Price/Alistair Storrar) and Marine-Superstore (Mark Emmett/Allan Stuart). Seavolution 1 (Mark Barnes/Charlotte Jones), ducking several boats and leading the charge to the right. It would be Seavolution 1 that would arrive first. Rounding the spacer, the wild ride downwind commenced. The front three racked it up and blasted downwind full chat with some hairy airborne experiences. Seavolution 1 led over the next two laps extending their lead to take their first win from Marine-Superstore and Sabre Sails (Simon Brewer/Alistair Ramsden). Several teams hit the tide but all reported on duty for the next start.

Race 2, Seavolution 1 and Ullman Sails, port started the fleet and charged right, chased from the left by Sabre Sails, Army Surplus 6 (Carl Raynes/Guy Raynes) and Marine-Superstore. Down the first run Seavolution 1 led the charge closely followed by the pack. The wind increased and the waves grew in size. However, the Fat Lady was to sing on probably the most memorable race this year to date, with nearly all the B14s stacking it on the hoist or gybe as did the Mustos, but Seavolution 1 prevailed and led to the finish with Bruce Keen doing likewise in the Mustos.

Race 3 and with attrition taking its toll, the big guns went for broke with little to choose between Seavolution 1, Ullman Sails and Marine-Superstore sailing in close formation. However on lap 2, the Fat Lady popped back and the latter two hit the tide releasing Seavolution 1 to take the win from Marine-Superstore and Ullman Sails.

Very tired sailors from both fleets, but with big smiles on their faces retired to the club for the evening meal and beer.

Sunday and with slightly more wind than Saturday at 1000, the question was, would it foam up again. The big answer was yes. Neither day was forecasted to have such great conditions, but it was to be another big day on the Solent.

Race 4 and Seavolution 1 led Ullman Sails and Team Marlow (Dan Cowin/Jack Kilburn) off the mid line charging out initially left, then on mass switching to the right. Seavolution 1 led just from Ullman Sails and Team Marlow at the windward mark. Over the race, Seavolution 1 stretched their legs and throw down the gauntlet to the fleet. With plenty of airborne sailing and sun, it was to surpass the previous day. Second was a recovering Ullman Sails followed by Team Marlow.

Race 5 and another monster four lapper. It looked as if all teams were tenderised and had bloodshot eyes. Would it be bigger than the previous one? The answer was yes. Ullman Sails, Seavolution 1 and Marine-Superstore put the pedal down, blasting out to the right. By the windward mark, Seavolution 1 had a small lead. However, passing traffic meant Ullman Sails hooked the windward mark and hit the tide. The first two in clear air fired off down the run full chat. The following pack also gave chase but most ended up hitting the tide at least once. As the race progressed, the seas built and the X factor increased. At the finish it was a relieved Seavolution 1 from Marine-Superstore and Ullman Sails.

Having sailed the hardest event of the year, first and third had girl crews who showed the bulk of the boys that the fairer sex can beat the boys.

Many tired and battered, but happy teams headed home. With the next event being the Europeans in France in 3.5 weeks, it looks as if it is going to be a close fought series. The big question is who will be next guesting in the front of Seavolution 1 having just won the event in style.

Posn	No.	Name	helm	Crew	1	2	3	4	5	Total	Net
1	788	Seavolution 1	Mark Barnes	Charlotte Jones	1	2	1	1	1	6	4
2	761	Marine Superstore	Mark Emmett	Allan Stuart	2	1	2	8	2	15	7
3	772	Ullman Sails	Mark Watts	Kathy Sherret	4	3	3	2	3	15	11
4	769	Team Marlow	Dan Cowin	Jack Kilburn	8	8	8	3	8†	35	27
5	66	Sabre Sails	Simon Brewer	Alistair Ramsden	3	8†	8	8†	8	35	27
6	756	Army Surplas 6	Carl Raynes	Guy Raynes	8†	8	8	8	8	40	32
6	766	H&B Consulting	Barry Price	Alistair Storrer	8†	8	8	8	8	40	32

† means did not finish. Other 8s equal DNC