Report by: Robin Boardman Six Halifax boats joined and Ray Gall from Carsington joined a local sailor Andy Phillips to make a total of 8 boats and a class start for Sprint 15s at the Filey regatta. It is a superb sailing venue, well run by the club with ample camping/accommodation and car parking readily available. The only problem this year was a lack of wind. Saturday's first race barely got to 5 knots and the wind was variable but each leg was as intended (ie no beats becoming runs). Between races the wind swung 180 degs and increased to about 10 knots. The race officer soon had the course relaid and a good race was held, wind speed dropping as the race progressed. Overnight honours were shared by Robin Boardman and Charles Watson sailing with his 7 year old daughter Elenya. All sailors enjoyed a barbecue at the club after racing, enjoying the wonderful views over Filey bay. Sunday dawned calm. The race started calm. The race finished calm. It was a real test of light wind sailing, with a large swell, the noise of waves crashing onto Filey brigg, a bell mark ominously tolling nearby, and pesky manoeuvrable dinghies making life for the cat sailors hard. After swopping positions several times, Robin Boardman got a puff of wind at the finish to grab the race and meeting honours from a disappointed Charles and Elenya Watson. The fleet then returned to shore where the wind deteriorated even more causing the 4th race to be abandoned. Naturally, as soon as boats were packed away a nice sea breeze came, showing the bay at its best and reminding us all what a good venue this was and why we should return. Results:Full Series Results available here
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