Results / RS Fat Face Racing Circuit Hayling Island SC - 11/07/2004

Clouds and a light wind greeted 12 Vareo sailors for the Fat Face Series Event at Hayling Island SC. With fleet training on the Saturday from coach Stephen Blake, a close contest was expected between the boats. The first race started in a light force 1-2 with Tim Greenwood (Chew Valley Lake SC) going for a port-end start with the rest of the fleet opting to cross the line on starboard. By the windward mark, the race was lead by Greenwood, followed by Nicholas Crickmore (Oulton Broad SC) and Chris Kirk (QMSC). Stephen Blake (Carsington SC) managed to navigate his way through the fleet to second on the first run and the first race ended with Greenwood winning from Blake with Crickmore in 3rd. The Second Race was lead at the windward mark by Kirk with Blake and Greenwood battling for second. By the second windward mark, Greenwood was right behind Kirk and passed him on the final run, with the race won by Greenwood followed by Kirk in 2nd, Blake 3rd. The final race was started in slightly less wind and the wind was starting to swing to the left. Greenwood nailed a port-end flier again and by the windward mark had a large lead from Blake and Kirk. On the downwind leg, the race committee moved the leeward mark with Blake going round the windward mark and Greenwood already half-way down the leg which caught out Greenwood and Blake caught up. Greenwood and Blake pulled away from the rest of the fleet in an increasing wind and enjoyed a match race around the rest of the course with the lead changing numerous times. In the end Greenwood won on the line from Blake with Kirk in 3rd. The Merit Prize was awarded to Nicholas Crickmore in 4th place for having travelled from the furthest club (near Lowestoft). Race Officer Chris Gordon did an excellent job and a good time was had by all. We look forward to going back to Hayling Island next season.