Wet, wet, wet!

Published 17:28 on 7 Sep 2025

The Autumn series kicked off on Sunday (7th Sept) with two very wet races! Particular thanks to the race officers and safety boat crew - Chris, James, Andy and Karen. A marked change from some of the more recent Summer outings!

A wide variety of classes fought it out in the rain, but the same three boats made the podium in both races, although not in the same order!

Autumn Series race 1: 

1. Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle), 2. Matthew Bennett (Solo), 3. Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley (Miracle) 

Autumn Series race 2:

1. Matthew Bennett (Solo), 2. Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley (Miracle), 3. Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle)

Autumn Series Overall after two races:

1. Matthew Bennett (Solo) 3pts, 2. Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle) 4pts, 3. Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley (Miracle) 5pts

In the afternoon, the rain continued, easing towards the end of the final race of the day - the Afternoon Pursuit Series. With only three boats participating it was decided to hold a handicap race. After an early bath for Brian Herbert, well recovered, in his Laser, it became a chase between the two Solos of Simon Dolman and Dave Thomas, who had also been competing hard against each other earlier in the day in their Miracles! This time Simon took line honours, but there are many races to go!

Autumn Pursuit Series race 1:

1. Simon Dolman (Solo), 2. Dave Thomas (Solo), 3. Brian Herbert (Laser)

Autumn Pursuit Series overall after 1 race:

1. Simon Dolman (Solo) 1pt, 2. Dave Thomas (Solo) 2pts, 3. Brian Herbert (Laser) 3pts

Congratulations to Brian for taking on challenging conditions. The afternoon pursuit series race is a more relaxed race, and the club is trialling modified PY handicap values for newbie racers. For example today the Laser had a +100 adjustment, approximately 4.5 minutes in every hour raced. This means that beginners, of all ages, can challenge the more seasoned helms. 

Last updated 20:12 on 7 September 2025