UK Cherub open meeting at Poole Yacht Club

UK Cherub open meeting at Poole © Mike Millard

Day 1

9-14 knots throughout the day, a flukey day all round, nice to share with other fleets.

Race 1:

The start was made interesting by the race officer adding an extra minute half way through the start sequence which worked out well as it meant we avoided the ICs when leaving the start line (leeward mark was just above the start line).

Poppy steamed off the line to top mark but a lack of sailing time between Mr Morrell and Mr Pearson meant a slow exit allowing Marmite; Mr Whapshott and Mr Croote to get through.

The Aussie in Aunty, Mr Audret and Miss Horn played catch up and showed some amazing speed... more on that to come!

Race 2:

This was similar to race 1 with marmite escaping most of the shifts and lulls while all others tried to work out how it's done. Maybe less kicker is quick!?

The right honourable Mr Ching and Master McGrory sailing Ronin were having some teething issues after a winter refit, but they got round the course with smiles.

Race 3:

The Aussies were flying that Aunty was sailing without the lead weight correctors, this accounted for their lighting quick acceleration

Ronin decided to call it quits and head for shore as tying knots while the world is moving and sometimes underwater is difficult.

Marmite fluffed this start up allowing the rest of the fleet to have a go, the other two fought for a while, but let Marmite back in before the last downwind leg

UK Cherub open meeting at Poole - photo © Mike Millard

Day 2

Stronger winds and a bit more wavy

Gusts up to 20 knots and a few squalls rolling through. Massive holes and shifts through the course

Race 4:

Very breezy before the race start which dropped to 15kts for R4.

The Aussies + lead, started to struggle. Was it the wind or the weight that caused this.

Ronin seemed to be cosplaying as a snow plough, especially downwind.

Race 5:

The windiest race of the whole event peaked at 20kts, allowing Poppy to find her new upwind pace with her substantial crew.

The wind swung round after the ICs started meaning our downwind leg was a straight line from windward to leeward mark, no doubt assisted by the tide going out.

Marmite and Poppy finished first and second in the ISO fleet who started 6 minutes before the Cherubs.

Aunti and Ronin decided to have a swim off at opposite ends of the course.

Race 6:

Wind dropped to 6-9 knots.

Marmite was clear of the fleet with Poppy closely behind. Aunty seemed to have rolled the dice and had settled for third....

Until both Marmite and Poppy entered a hole at the final windward mark rounding! Aunty sailed up the outside of the course and overtook Marmite and Poppy who were helpless as the wind had gone. Marmite overtook Aunty on the final leg to the finish line.

Congratulations and thank you to Simon Lawson, his first time being a race officer. He had little to improve (a minute is 60 seconds) so the future is bright.

Also thanks to Poole yacht club, the Canoe fleet and the ISO fleet for their cooperation and help in setting the event up.

Overall Results:

UK Cherub open meeting at Poole - photo © Mike Millard