IC Southern Area Championship at Poole Yacht Club

Start line action during the IC Southern Area Champioship at Poole © Mike Millard

The pure joy of Canoe sailing

The event opened with a blustery F5 North-easterly. Conditions rapidly exposed lack of practice for a number of us (prompting a "is it usually like this?" in debrief!) compounded by navigational challenges and some helms choosing to explore rather more of the harbour than strictly required. New recruit, Tyler Harmsworth, sailing his first competitive race in the IC took the win on handicap.

Rob Wood during the IC Southern Area Champioship at Poole - photo © Mike Millard

Day two saw our considerate PRO hoisting the AP ashore, having rightly concluded that being gently broiled in the sun whilst drifting on the back of an IC was no fun at all. The race team's local knowledge bore fruit in delivering decent racing on a challenging day.

After a delay on the beach in the sunshine of day three we made our way out to the start. A respectable breeze appeared to settle and stayed with us until the second beat at which point rounding the windward mark became a near lottery. With the tide running to compound the woes of those stranded, those already on the run were relieved to see the S flag waiting for them at the committee boat.

Phil Allen during the IC Southern Area Champioship at Poole - photo © Mike Millard

As the RO's hand hovered on the flag halyard to send us home for the day a distant ruffle of breeze was spotted - the race team wasted no time in resetting the course and the second race was sailed in a decent force 2-3. Finishing with a spectacular reach more than made up for the frustrations of the first race!

A superb championship dinner was provided by the club, many thanks to chef and the staff team for outstanding food and service. Thoroughly recommended.

Gareth Caldwell during the IC Southern Area Champioship at Poole - photo © Mike Millard

Day four and sunshine, but F5 gusting 24 knots plus wind against tide to produce the intimidating sight of white horses across the harbour. A collective "should I stay or should I go" ensued.

Those that "went" were rewarded by racing in some of the best conditions of the week - thanks to our PRO's intervention with "him upstairs" the breeze dropped to F3 and the canoes revelled in the conditions. Glorious.

Tony Robertshaw during the IC Southern Area Champioship at Poole - photo © Mike Millard

Thanks to The Poole Yacht Club, PRO John Yonwin and team, and the canoe sailors who were able to attend, for a very enjoyable event.

In the words of Tyler Harmsworth, "What an absolute fantastic introduction to the IC family at The Poole Yacht Club. Lots of encouragement and friendly advice. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. You should all be here!"

Overall Results: