HPYC Classic Regatta 2016
The Haven Ports Yacht Club / Suffolk Yacht Harbour Autumn Classic Regatta took place on the weekend of the 3rd & 4th September.
Saturday’s race saw a mixed fleet of seven classics including two Stellas line up for the start in bright and breezy conditions. Just for a change (I wish…), Centaur was a little late for the start. The line was clear and the fleet headed down river and out into Harwich Harbour in a force four, occasionally five and bright sunshine. By the time we got out to the turning mark the fleet was spread out and conditions were getting a little lumpy. It was sunny and fairly warm though, so great fun – if a little wet! Centaur, by now, lost touch with Stardust but launched the spinnaker for an exciting reach back up river to the finish line. “Halloween” a West Solent One Design took line honours, retaining first place on corrected time. “Lady of Hamford”, a Vashi Class took second and Stardust a very creditable third.
Sunday was a totally different kettle of fish. The day dawned cooler, grey and windy – five gusting seven. This reduced the fleet to three – the two Stellas and Halloween. These were, interestingly, the three smallest boats in the fleet. I’m not sure whether that had more to do with guts, foolhardiness or simply the fact that they required smaller crews! Anyway, I was very glad that there were four of us on Centaur – the extra pairs of hands and weight on the rail came in very handy. We were sensibly set a fairly short river course and we all eschewed spinnakers on the downwind leg, still managing to hit over 6 knots. All very exciting and very wet stuff! My apologies to Stardust, by the way, for nearly ramming them before the start – it just goes to show what a moment’s lapse of concentration can do in those conditions… Halloween, once again, took line honours but Stardust won on corrected time with Centaur third (or last depending how you look at it..!).
Halloween won the regatta overall with Stardust second and Centaur third. A good result for the Stellas!
Peter
Centaur #100