2012 Perishers Series: Race Report Race 4 (22nd Jan 2012 )
Written by Simon Ward Wednesday, 04 January 2012 00:00
Perishers Series Sunday 22nd January 2012
LTSC Perishers face challenging conditions
The fourth race of Lymington Town Sailing Clubs Perishers Series was started in what may have arguably been near perfect conditions with a South Westerly breeze averaging 16-18 knots. The bright and mild morning attracted twenty one boats to the starting line with an already ebbing tide reducing a particularly high tide.
The fleet got away on a broad reach due to the prevailing Northerly influence at the head of the river. The conditions deteriorated quickly after the start which contradicted the predictions in no uncertain fashion, the wind increased dramatically with gusts in excess of 30 knots. The now survival conditions called upon the expertise of the fortunately highly experienced participants and most returned to the slipway unscathed.
The conditions took their inevitable toll and gear failure was apparent on some boats with broken spars and foils giving the safety craft crews an opportunity to use their training to good effect. Eventually all boats and crew were safely returned to the dinghy compound.
Picture: Richard Russell
The problems encountered by the majority should not in any way detract from the efforts of the two boats that completed the course in truly competitive spirit.
Nigel Walbank and Toby Power prevailed in heroic fashion to take line honours in their Tasar. Richard Russell in the RS 100 after taking a few swims on the way secured second place in a truly memorable fourth round.
Race 4 Results
1st Nigel Walbank & Toby Power Tasar
2nd Richard Russell RS 100
Series Results after 4 races.
1st Richard Russell RS 100 12pts
2nd Keith Willis & Abby Keightley Hanson RS 400 14pts
3rd Nigel King RS 600 16pts
