Regatta Week - Day 5, Wednesday 7th August 2024

Published 17:25 on 9 Aug 2024

The easiest way to describe Keyhaven Week Wednesday was 'breezy'!

The sun shone and 31 boats ventured out onto the race course with the breeze gusting 20kn. A few wary folk headed back in straight away and a few people did some capsize practices. One young gentleman managed to capsize just behind the committee boat at about 45 seconds to the start.

The fast fleet start saw the entire line covered with Ian Sanderson winning the port end.

Throughout the race the breeze steadily strengthened to the high teens and the odd +20kn gust. There were many retirements, capsizes and gear failures. The support boats were flat out. At one stage the RO had to pull in the 'Photo Boat' to tow a stricken boat in.

Ian Sanderson won the fast fleet by a good margin sailing an ILCA 7. Second was Raffy Seddon in an ILCA4 and Third was Rob Langley in an ILCA 7.

The slow fleet was won by Simon Howell in a Scow, Second was Nick and Amanda Langford in a Scow.

Tom & Ava Hebbert sailing in Jubilee were oustanding. Ava is 7 years old and battled bravely, soaking wet from the spray, smiling and bailing hard as they crossed the finish line.

Not surprisingly both fleets were considerably diminished, only three scows starting in the slow fleet. By this time the breeze was hovering steadily around 20kn with the odd c. 25kn gust.

There were some spectacular high speed runs, capsizes and amazing recoveries. Both the remaining 2000s resorted to white sails.

Whilst all the sailors seemed to be really relishing the conditions it was obvious that they were tiring so the really kind RO shortened both courses.

A really challenging days sailing well done to all those who had a go.

With the weather deterioating, the decision was that Thursday's racing was cancelled.