Salcombe Yacht Club Three Creeks Challenge
by John Burn 16 Aug 2023 06:12 EST
12 August 2023
The much-anticipated annual Three Creeks Challenge unfolded on Saturday. Contestants, after completing the initial windward mark designated by the Race Officer, embraced the freedom to chart their own course through the Estuary.
Given conditions, the quartet participating in the slow handicap category were directed to Mark 2 instead of Mark 1, setting the stage for their journey towards Saltsone or Yalton.
Regrettably, one of the Laser 4.7's had to retreat prior to starting, while the rest embarked on their navigational adventure in high spirits. Their unified choice was to stick together, addressing Mark 5 and Mark 4 before heading back to the finish line.
Charlotte Simmonds, one of the clubs top young talents navigating a Topper, once again showcased her mastery in strong winds. Her performance on Saturday was no exception, outpacing her competitors by a remarkable three-minute margin on corrected time, even managing a capsize in the mix!
Securing second place was the Gage family, steering a Club Zest, with Edward Alexander claiming the third spot aboard his Laser 4.7.
The Fast Handicap division witnessed a sole contender, Ross Borne, at the helm of a Merlin Rocket accompanied by a crew unaccustomed to Merlin sailing. Their victory, while evident, was far from straightforward. Negotiating multiple capsizes upon exiting Frogmore creek and a buoyancy bag that decided to part ways tested their mettle, making victory an earnest battle against both nature and circumstances.
In the Yawl fleet, Rob Allen on Y172, with James Wells as crew, enjoyed their afternoon cruise around the estuary, culminating in a well-deserved triumph.
The Solo fleet, though modestly represented, showcased a variety of strategies due to its diverse lineup.
After a challenging uphill stretch to Balckstone, Paul Ellis led the pack, closely pursued by John Burn and Robin Hodges. This trio harmoniously chose to embark on the same path, leading them to Kingsbridge before Mark 6, ultimately culminating with Mark 4.
The front three experienced an exhilarating high-speed broad reach to mark 8, arriving virtually neck and neck with Hodges seizing the lead at Mark 8.
During the return leg to Mark 6, Ellis found an extra gear, distancing himself from Hodges and Burn. While Burn managed to briefly outpace Hodges during their creek exit, Robin's precise navigation through The Bag propelled him back into second position, and hot on Paul's heels.
Maintaining their positions through the final stretch, the triumphant trio concluded the race, securing the top three spots.
Roger Lumby, Simon Yates, and Stuart Cartwright opted for the more conventional route of 4-6-8, while Adrian Griffin took a gamble on 6-8-4. The differences between these choices proved minimal in the end. Lumby secured fourth place, with Griffin edging out Yates for fifth, a mere fifty yards from the finish line, while Cartwright claimed the seventh position.
Thank you to the race team and safety boat crews. The event can only be described as a success, evoking smiles from sailors and spectators alike.