Harbour Race 30th Aug 2026 Handicap

Strong SW added to a strong flooding tide whisked the 5 (Le Mans-style) beach-starters off up the harbour,

 - past the Mulberry,

- three green cans,

 - onto the 2nd red can 'Salterns'

(NW, at the start of the Broom Channel)

Andy (Dart 16) and Ian, crewed by Annie in George's Dart 18 headed straight for Salterns(S) 

Sailing quickly, but, unfamiliar with Langstone Harbour buoys, Luke and Josh, Dart 18 were referencing the boat behind, Richard and Justin, F18 (likewise, following Luke in front), so both went a more circuitous route

To pinpoint the mark, George had stationed the club's bright orange RIB at Salterns (having shadowed the fleet, on the way) 

Heading right (ESE) on a decent Reach, up the Langstone Channel (via Rod and Alpha) to Bridge Steve and Jennie, Dart 18 missed out Sinah(P) to gybe spectacularly by Rod (Green buoy), subsequently to call it a day

George and Ken in SB 'Ziggy' were on hand, commenting that they were only just able to keep up with the sailing catamarans in the harbour, before the pause

Now in a stronger WSW, the remaining 2 Dart 18s avoided as much of the tide as possible, gaining on the F18 who made a couple of crossings

Andy, single-handed in the Dart 16 was slowed by a deep crossing, too

Richard's latest F18 (first time used in anger and to good effect) , on a 3 sail reach, notably, looked the modern thoroughbred

All had a fast race, visibly appearing windswept and elated as they returned to the beach

Richard and Justin won line honours, but, were beaten by both the Dart 18s, Luke/Josh and Ian/Annie, close on the chase, in turn, appearing around the Ferryboat corner, just as each boat in front finished

Taking 53mins to complete the straightline 8.5-10Nm course, the F18 (PY-666) needed to be 12mins in the hr ahead of the Dart 18s (PY-828).

The runner ups finished 5½mins (58½min) and then, another 5½mins (11mins total (64mins)) after them, respectively.

So, Luke sailed faster than handicap and the other two were on par

Unusually, it was kind of Steve and Jennie to keep George and Ken occupied 

Jenny provided the best halftime spread of victuals ever for the OOD Team

 Dave (line, flags, time1),

 Clive (hooter),

 Barrie (spotter, time2)

 Phil (photo's)

 - All most grateful for teas and snacks, before it got busy, again

Forecast as a strong breeze with boat-breaking gusts, along with those that braved the race, all enjoyed the day

Friend of the club, Dan from Locks SC, crossed our line third in his Unicorn (smiling for the camera) - 10/10 for style