Noble Marine Comet Trio Mark1 National Championship at Brixham Yacht Club - Day 2

Noble Marine Comet Trio Mark1 Nationals at Paignton Day 2 © Peter Lytton

Day 2 of the Comet Trio National Championships sponsored by Noble Marine at Brixham was a feisty affair with frequent gusts of around 20 knots.

Race officer, Peter Lytton, has to be congratulated with setting a challenging trapezoidal course and running efficiently 3 races back to back for both the Championships and their own regatta. It was made slightly easier because there were no major wind shifts so the mark layers were happy. All 3 races were clean starts and the fleet was very compact throughout the day considering the conditions.

Race 1 started with most boats beating on starboard across to the left hand side of the course. Lighter crews lost out as those with weight advantage made it all look easy. Symon and Lou Doliczny were enjoying the stiffer breeze, getting to Mark 1 first but then inadvertently had their rudder up which they couldn't put down so Symon's arms were aching by the time they could bear away and pull it up and were overtaken by others. Bob and Alex and Andrew and Caroline hit the mark and as they were doing their turns, Adrian and Callum Padro overtook them and stayed in front, winning race 1. In the runs those who had the nerve and skill had a great time with their spinnakers up. Alex Horlock made the most of his height leaning out with sheets in one hand having a great blow. However it was those who picked up the wind shifts on the windward leg who appeared to do best. Sadly Jenny and Mike Hart capsized with the spinnaker up, getting it back up in record time but ending up at the back.

Noble Marine Comet Trio Mark1 Nationals at Paignton Day 2 - photo © Peter Lytton

Race 2 followed a similar pattern with the Padros and others at the pin end getting in front. For others further back, the stiff breeze was a test of nerve and equipment, with some choosing not to fly spinnakers and making ground with great planing. Steve Ashford and Wolly Merchant retired to sort knots (who said bowlines are infallible!). Again the Padros won race 2.

By race 3, the breeze had stiffened to 18 knots and many were feeling somewhat tired! Poppy Salliss and Jane Higgins went in early with broken rope having felt distinctly overpowered. It was the turn of Chris and Ben Biglin to go for a swim, all the more a shame because he had his car keys around his neck! However they recovered to come a respectable 5th. Sam and Chris Mayne enjoyed their new code zero having upgraded from one of the original spinnakers although they tested their equipment to the limit. The Padros again won Race 3 going into Day 3 in first place overall.

With such a testing day, the fleet were very grateful for the attentiveness and prompt responses of the safety boat crews who were also working hard to look after the Brixham Yacht Club regatta fleet as well. All deserved a drink and a great bbq in the evening at BYC.

Results after Day 2: