Big Boat action at Warsash

by Flavia Bateson on 2 Apr 2007
Race officers at Warsash Sailing Club had a busy two days over 31 March and 1 April. Not only was the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series continuing for the fourth week but also the first Big Boat event got underway. All that involved nearly 200 boats and some 27 start sequences in weather that tested boats and sailors alike.

Big Boat Series Week 1

Conditions for the Big Boats on Saturday 31st March might be described as lively by those competing or scary by those watching. This was the first outing for this year’s fleet and it proved a good shakedown experience. The two classes comprised BB1 for 42 to 46 footers, especially Farr 45s and Swan 45s and BB2 for Beneteau First 40.7s, which were racing level rated.

The sky was wintry with a biting Force 4/5 north-easterly for the first race of five windward/leeward legs, starting off the Island shore. After a clean start, the BB1 class were divided in their opinion on the best way up the beat. Fraxious had gained a slight advantage by the first mark, which she held, but behind her the fleet was packed close together with Werewolf chasing second placed John Merricks, crewed from the RYA Keelboat Programme.

The second lap saw significant changes to the running order and by the last leeward mark Exabyte Four had taken second place. The First 40.7s were more spread out. Playing Around gained a significant lead over 'Grand Cru II' by the top mark and these two extended their lead quite comfortably over the others to the finishing line.

By 12:30 hours, when the second race started, the wind had swung to the east, gained a force and the sea conditions were worsening.

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (WISC) made a good start from under the committee boat and was one of the early leaders.

But by the time the fleet was approaching the newly laid windward mark, there was a line of six boats abreast.

Having set off downwind, the fleet was hit by a big gust as most were deciding to gybe on to port. WISC and Shockwave were the heaviest losers.

The second run also caused problems - this time for Fever. She was leading at the time but broached and fell by the wayside. This allowed Exabyte Four to take control. Conditions were by now further deteriorating. In over 30 knots of breeze the race committee took the decision to stop for the day and abandon the third race.

The next morning saw lighter winds, still from the north-east. Fraxious again took an early lead until a mistake in reading the course took her to the wrong buoy. This allowed the pack to overtake and in a thrilling finish Exabyte Four snatched victory by two lengths from Henry Lloyd-Cutting Edge with Werewolf another length behind.

Meanwhile the 40.7s were racing with IRC2. Playing Around recorded a second place in the main race and another win in the Big Boat series. The wind increased again for the last race of the day and after some close battles Werewolf took both line and race honours.

In the 40.7 class, Robin Dollar in Grand Cru II finally got the better of Peter Robson to hold out some hope for the second Big Boat weekend on 21/22 April. The BB1 class boats can scored under IRM as well as the IRC rules and the difference in handicaps and results makes for interesting reading.

Provisional Results - Raymarine Warsash Big Boat Series, Weekend 1 (31 March/1 April)

BB1 using IRC
Race 1 Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Swan 45 Glynn Williams
Race 2 Exabyte Four Farr 45 Shaun Frohlich
Race 4 WISC Swan 45 Glynn Williams
Race 5 Werewolf Farr 45 Jerry Otter

BB1 using IRM
Race 1 Fraxious Farr 45 Jack Pringle
Race 2 Fraxious Farr 45 Jack Pringle
Race 4 Werewolf Farr 45 Jerry Otter
Race 5 Werewolf Farr 45 Jerry Otter

BB2 - Beneteau First 40.7
Race 1, 2, 4 Playing Around Peter Robson
Race 5 Grand Cru II Robin Dollar