RS Elite class in Frostie Week at Strangford Lough Yacht Club - Day 2
by Ed Cody 1 Oct 2020 10:02 NZDT
26 September 2020
Phil Anderson helming Illegal to victory in race 3 - Strangford Lough's Frostie Week day 2 © Martin Mahon
Five Elites again made it to the Battery start on Trasnagh Island on Saturday. Janice McCrudden's Bamboozled after some setup difficulties last week were keen to get some good quality racing.
Unfortunately due to other commitments Richard Moore and Colman Byrnes were unable to get out in their Elite Usain Boat. After 2 races last Saturday Storm from RUYC were leading from Speedwell from RNIYC.
Race 3 was run in a shifty northerly force 4 breeze with a moderately strong ebbing tide. Phil Anderson and Clive Corry in illegal had a good lead at the first windward with the other 4 boats in close contention. Ed Cody and crew in Speedwell were in second with Messrs Polly, Kelso, and Gunning in their Elite, Storm in an unfamiliar for them 3rd.
Racing was tight and into the final leeward mark Speedwell and illegal had a tactical battle to try to get water at the mark. SLYC's illegal came out ahead and Speedwell had further problems with other boats at the mark given an opportunity to Storm overtake.
The short final beat saw the usual fast pace from Storm trying to reel in Illegal. Illegal just managed to hold out and took the win in a photo finish
Race 3 Results: (top three)
1st Illegal Helm, Phil Anderson (SLYC)
2nd Storm Helm, Stephen Polly (RUYC)
3rd Speedwell Helm, Ed Cody (RNIYC)
Race 4 was run in a lighter and more shift breeze with the tide having a greater influence. Storm led at the first mark with Illegal rounding just ahead of Speedwell. Again very tight racing which saw Storm win, Speedwell second, and Illegal 3rd.
Race 4 Results: (top three)
1st Storm Helm, Stephen Polly
2nd Speedwell Helm, Ed Cody
3rd Illegal Helm, Phil Anderson