Five Elites again made it to the Battery start on Trasnagh Island on Strangford Lough last Saturday. Janice McCrudden's Bamboozled after some setup difficulties last week were keen to get some good quality racing. Unfortunately due to other commitments, Richard Moore and Colman Byrne's were unable to get out in their Elite Usain Boat. After 2 races last Saturday Storm from RUYC were leading from Speedwell from RNIYC.
Race 3 was run in a shifty northerly force 4 breeze with a moderately strong ebbing tide. Phil Anderson and Clive Corry in illegal had a good lead at the first windward with the other 4 boats in close contention. Ed Cody and crew in Speedwell were in second with Messrs Polly, Kelso, and Gunning in their Elite, Storm in an unfamiliar for them 3rd.
Racing was tight and into the final leeward mark, Speedwell and Illegal had a tactical battle to try to get water at the mark. SLYC’s illegal came out ahead and Speedwell had further problems with other boats at the mark given an opportunity to Storm overtake.
The short final beat saw the usual fast pace from Storm trying to reel in Illegal. Illegal just managed to hold out and took the win in a photo finish.
Race 3 in series
1st Illegal Helm Phil Anderson SLYC,
2nd Storm Helm- Stephen Polly RUYC
3rd Speedwell Helm Ed Cody RNIYC
Race 4 was run in a lighter and more shift breeze with the tide having a greater influence. Storm led at the first mark with Illegal rounding just ahead of Speedwell. Again very tight racing which saw Storm win, Speedwell second, and Illegal 3rd.
Race 4 in series
1st Storm Helm Stephen Polly,
2nd Speedwell Helm Ed Cody,
3rd Illegal Helm Phil Anderson.
