Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Hamble Winter Series, an 8 Sunday race series, got underway last weekend with 2 races each class on Sunday morning.
All 3 of the Sailing Logic teams were raring to go, after a great Saturday training day and a social out in Hamble Village in the evening. A somewhat breezy forecast, ideal for Reflex 38’s started as predicated and constant winds of 15-18 knots made racing exciting, but the gusts of up to 25 made it even more exhilarating. Visit Malta Puma, led by Tim Thubron, wanted to lay down their marker for the rest of the class to see, but unfortunately had a slower start than usual due to another yacht getting in their way! Jaguar Logic however, under the solid guidance of Peter Burwood, had a cracking start and were well clear of Puma for the rest of the race. Lion Logic, skippered by Mike Martin, stayed clear of trouble at the start and made sure he was ahead of the main rivals. With a complete novice race crew onboard, the team did exceptionally well to finish the first race in 7th position, well ahead of some personal rivals! Visit Malta Puma managed 4th place in the end which was very respectable, and Jaguar Logic was just pipped to the top position by 3 seconds, registering a great 2nd place overall.
Visit Malta Puma fared much better in Race 2, getting a great start, and zooming away from the rest of the class almost immediately. A close battle was fought with the new First 40 Winston, but Puma ran away to first place by nearly a minute on the water and nearly 2 minutes on corrected. Jaguar Logic meanwhile were having a private battle with the J122 Jolou, and managed to take 3rd place which was super. Lion logic, unfortunately had sail damage and were unable to complete race 2, but the team should be justifiably proud of their first ever race result!
At the end of the weekend, 3 yachts are tied at first place: Visit Malta Puma, Jaguar Logic and Jolou – how exciting – all to play for next Sunday – bring it on!!!
photo by Hamo Thorneycroft www.yacht-photos.co.uk
