The Wednesday evening series has now finished for this year and was once again enjoyed by Club Members. Thirty-five different helms took part with about twelve boats out each week. Two nights were lost because of thunder and lightning arriving at the wrong time, but racing took place over sixteen summer evenings.
Although this series is known for a relaxing time the pursuit race is still keenly contested. The early leader was Phil Alison this year sailing his newly acquired “fast Harrier.” Followed by Clive Girling and Henrietta Highfield the series looked close for some weeks.
It was nice to see Roger Wilson out with his lovely Classic Merlin Rocket. We were all pleased to see new sailor Andy Adcock improving his position each week in the splash. Daniel Harvey was regularly racing again and getting very good results in his laser, but with his personal handicap increasing to plus 6 minutes he was having to work hard at the end of the series. As usual with the pursuit races the boats closed together towards the end of each race with competitors checking their watches to see who would end up in front of whom at the bell.
After discards kicked in and at the penultimate race, Phil Alison and Henrietta Highfield were level on points. The series winner would come down to the last night. Henrietta crewed by Dad Phil in the Mirror started in front and held the lead until passed on the last lap by Bob Hawkins in a Wayfarer. With Phil Alison and Daniel Harvey close behind Henrietta manage to hold on to second place and so take the series trophy. Phil came second overall with Daniel third just leading Clive Girling by 2 points.
So well done to Henrietta whose personal handicap this year has increased from -4 to +3 minutes.
We are all looking forward to next years series with the current handicaps carried forward.
SO reserve your Wednesday evenings for Rollesby in 2024
Full Series Results can be found here…………
John Saddington