Like at Cowes, where of course the Redwings are hoping to be racing for the week, Saturday’s One-Design racing for the Brinton Cup was cancelled on Friday as every forecast was predicting gale force winds. And they were not wrong! However conditions had moderated by Sunday morning and although Chimet was showing a steady SW F6, racing looked perfectly feasible for the seven crews who were keen to race providing there were no single-handers, storm sails were used and the course kept inshore.

After a short postponement, the first race got underway from a line off Drum with a short first beat to a windward inflatable set inshore. Andrew Palmer helming No 3 made an excellent start and was the first to reach the windward mark with No 8 helmed by Jos Coad and No 10 helmed by Robin Joy a few boat lengths behind. After a somewhat delayed start, No 4 helmed by Alexander Ross, was quite surprisingly next. With Britten as a wing mark and Derrick as the leeward mark it was not long before the lead boats were heading back to the windward mark via the line.

It was a perfect beat and the question was whether to tack early and take advantage of the westerly flooding tide tide to lee-bow or stick on port and head inshore. Jos did the former and moved up into first place with Andrew not far behind. Although still ahead at Derrick, it was No 3 who crossed the finish line ahead of No 8 with No 10 third, a minute later.

After a quick turn around the second race got away to a pretty good start; the first two legs were the same as the first race, but then they had a beat to Old Church before running to Fitzwilliam and a final beat to Under Tyne.

Youtube Start of Race 2

Jos in No 8 led for most of it and although early on Susie Beart in No 5 was second, she dropped down to fourth by the finish. While showers had been forecast, they held off until the leaders were closing on Old Church when the heavens opened! Indeed the rain was so heavy that it flatten the sea. Fortunately it did not last long at such intensity but it did mean most people came back quite wet! Having gained on every leg, No 8 finished a minute and a half ahead of Hugh Doherty who had the helm of No 10; James Palmer in No 3 was third. Overall however, a fun morning’s racing.

With a second and a first, this year’s Brinton Cup was won by Jos, the Club Commodore, in No 8.

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Weather permitting, the One-Designs have races every day next week.

Photographs by Mike Samuelson