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Handicap Class
Royal Harwich Yacht Club Shiver Series Day 1
by Gordon Sutton 10 Jan 11:41 GMT for Yachts and Yachting
With strong winds forecast all week the Race Officer arrived early to be greeted surprisingly with blue skies and moderate southerly wind. This direction hampered course setting so it was decided to decamp down river to Pin Mill where a trapezoid course was set thus keeping the fleet out of the main navigation channel.
The wind was due to build during the morning so racing quickly got under way with 25 boats turning up on the start line split into two, ILCA Lasers and Handicap.
The first race had 14 knots gusting 23 knots, with the Committee Boat situated as close to the Nacton shore as possible, giving an excellent first beat out to the channel. The wind was shifty making the calling of headers vital. A reach, run, reach and small beat back to the start / finish line over three laps gave the competitors 35 minutes of challenging racing. Given these conditions it was surprising there were only a few capsizes and a couple of retirements, testament to the quality of sailing skills being displayed.
The second race was even windier with a steady 19knots and a one gust reported at 32knots. The course was set as for the first with the Race Officer determined to get the second underway before bad weather really set in.
Another 35 minutes of exhilarating racing saw several capsizes, a couple of retirements but many tired and happy faces when they finished three laps later.
RHYC Shivers Series is open to all. For non-members the cost is £30 for the entire series including free boat parking. For more details please go to the RHYC website. The Club’s excellent bar and galley are always open after sailing.
Results after two races:
ILCA fleet racing together as a handicap
1st James Deaton, ILCA 6
2nd Paul Davies, ILCA 7
3rd Adam Fuller, ILCA 7
Handicap fleet
1st George Finch/ Daniel Blackburn, N12
2nd Chris and Nicole Mayhew, RS200
3rd Rolland Smith, Solo
National 12
This class has a long history with RHYC and the number of N12s in the dinghy park is growing again. Well suited to the river and perfect for two adults or an adult and child to sail, they are a great boat for intermediate or experienced sailors to enjoy family sailing. Despite only having two sails, the conditions on the river will keep helms and crews busy in these responsive, exciting dinghies. The club hosts an annual National 12 Open Meeting each year and club members will race for the Bangor Trophy once a year for club members. For the 2021 season, RHYC now own a club National 12 again, which is available for members to sail.
Solo
Seen as a more comfortable alternative to the Laser, the Solo has enjoyed a renewed popularity over recent years. With a few more Solos now in the dinghy park, there is come excellent competition between the helms on the water. The club hosts an annual Solo Open Meeting each year.
RS Feva
A great option for two juniors or for an adult and junior to start racing. The club owns a fleet of RS Fevas so this is an excellent step for those progressing from our Junior Sailing sessions. RHYC members are often seen representing the club at RS Feva events around the UK and abroad.
Solo Open – 9th October 2021
https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/242744/Royal-Harwich-YC-Solo-Open?source=email
