Autumn 6 and Renard Systems Brass Monkey 1 - Fareast Sails

by Josh Chadwick and Stuart Lofthouse on 10 Jan 2011 Brass Monkey Series.

It was a great show of boats for the Early Autumn 6/Brass Monkey 1 race in both Class 1 and Class 2 fleets. With a sunny but windy day it had all the makings of a good race to come and expectations were high. As the fleets ready themselves in the Mersey preparing for the five minute count down, a brisk West North Westerly was blowing across the fordecks.

As the countdown neared its end, boats of both fleets jostled for position and started the race in a brisk 20+ knots of wind. The start proved to be a closely fought battle with many boats contending for poll position and provided a real spectacle for anyone on shore with a mix of Primas, Sigma 40’s and 33’s, Benateau’s and half tonners sighting each other and charging at Dingle. As the fleet powered down to the first mark the two Primas came out in front fighting out poll position. 6 or 7 boat lengths behind the rest of the fleet were pursuing with Rebel, Bada Bing and Daydream believer leading the assault.

As the fleet rounded the first mark with the wind gusting crews tentatively hoisted their spinnakers for the second leg. At this point the larger boats stretched their legs however, at the next mark, due to some great spinnaker work, smaller boats such as Seaker were back up with the big boys. The wind which was still strong at this point ensured broaching was always a risk and allowing some good jostling between the fleet. Whilst heading towards E2 it was obvious a number of tactics were at play with some boats going from the Garston Channel and hugging the wall as long as they could whilst others braved what was still present of the incoming tide. Indeed the tide caught a few skippers out when aiming for E2 causing a few more tacks than previously planned!

In Class 2 white sails prevailed on the short downwind leg to G5 where Skukusa saw fit to make an extremely close inspection of the mark (no damage done to boat or buoy...). The ensuing re-rounding and 360 turn saw Clarevouyant and Legless easily pass Skukusa, by which time the Sigma trio were well on the way to E2.

A close battle for the lead ensued between Musketeer and Quattro and continued at the head of the race with Musketeer coming out on top. Skukusa edged into third, just ahead of Saphoenix after some close racing between the two. Clarevouyant did well in the brisk conditions to stay in touch with the leaders.

As the race progressed the wind stopped gusting and reduced in strength to approximately 15 knots. Some boats took this chance to shake out their reefs and hoist larger headsails to make the most of the lighter airs. The race ended with a fairly spread out fleet however some boats were competing for position until the very end. All in all it was a great finish to Late Autumn series and great start to the Brass Monkey series with enough wind to excite all and work off any remaining Christmas fat helped by a well thought out and enjoyable course. Congratulations to Another Nods who won class one and Musketeer who won class two. The stage is set for a fun and well competed Brass Monkey series, all eyes now on the next race to see what it may bring.

Results
Class 1

1. Another Nods
Joint 2nd. Mighty Max 2, Ulula

Class 2

1. Musketeer
2. Quattro
3. Clarevouyant

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