Itchenor Winter Warmer Series - Round 3
by George Yeoman 15 Mar 10:37 PDT
7-8 March 2020
Itchenor Winter Warmer Series round 3 © George Yeoman
The final instalment of the weather-hit Itchenor Winter Warmer series took place on the 7/8 March and was a breezy affair.
On Saturday the Merlin's clashed with the Burghfield silver tiller which allowed a couple of boats some time to warm up in the bay ahead of Sunday.
In the 200s, seven boats arrived on Saturday for some tight racing. The five races saw Jon and Alexa Pinner win the majority despite missing the first race, but some great sailing from Alex Curtis and Raffi Gracie kept the pressure on up at the front. Good performances from Harry Gilchrist and James Cunnison from Itchenor made for good mid fleet competition in the 15-20kts.
Sunday was bright and sunny but the breeze had increased making for a fruity sail.
Five Merlins started the three races, with George & Sophie Yeoman winning first one from Christian Birrell & Sam Breary with a couple of boats forgetting to go through the start line! The second race saw a park up at the starboard end, but Christian & Sam showed why they have won back to back championships leading from the first mark and nearly never looking back, but whilst there was a tussle for 2nd between Tim Saxton & Mary Henderson, Chris Gould & Caroline Croft and George & Sophie, Christian & Sam wobbled and went for a swim. This allowed Chris & Caroline to cruise through to take the win from Tim & Mary. The final race was started, and promptly stopped by an apocalyptic squall came through leaving noone upright, except for Tim & Mary who had taken their main down. All boats eventually made it back with only minor damage to boats, but larger damage to egos!
The 200s had six boats including very welcome guests from Queen Mary Sailing Club. Jon and Alexa Pinner came out on top in each closely followed by Alex Curtis and Raffi Gracie followed by Bruce and Coco in third. The wind picked up to top out at 37 knots meaning everyone got their Sunday 'blow out' and no finishers in race 3. We would love to see a similar turn out for the next weekend of racing over Easter where the Wallace Trophy will be run.
All in all, another great Winter Warmer series where the potential to go sailing was maximised thanks to Roger Yeoman and his epic race team including Jeremy Sibthorp and Olly Gilchrist.
Andy Davies & Pip Kilsby won the Merlins by one point from Christian & Sam.
Merlin Rocket results.
Harry Gilchrist & James Cunnison won the 200s and deservedly so after being the most dedicated team in the event.
RS200 results.