On Saturday 27th as hundreds of JOG sailors gathered in the warm autumn sunshine to toast retiring Secretary Martin Banstead, we looked forward to a relaxing downwind sail on the following day to finish the season. It was not to be. At 10.30am on Sunday 28th, 55 yachts headed across to the start line into gloomy drizzle, only 2 would finish.
With Series wins already secured in Class 1 (Scream 2) and Class 2 (Bellino) attention turned to Class 3 & 4 with all to play for between Javelin & Jetpack (Class 3) and With Alacrity & Adelie (Class 4).
With Alacrity led in Class 4 and in Class 3, it was Jenie making the early running after an excellent start with Just So, Javelin and Frank 4 in close company. With the breeze dying, everyone was struggling to make the first mark. Javelin overstood and it was advantage Jetpack who rounded ahead. As the fleet crossed to ‘Powder Byrne’ what breeze there was faded and with the East flowing tide carrying them past the mark, many decided to retire. Javelin had kept high and managed to anchor, eventually rounding the mark with Elaine Again and With Alacrity.
With the fleet thinning, what should have been a relaxing end of season spinnaker run turned into an absolute ‘light airs’ marathon with the lead changing practically at every mark – proper snakes and ladders. Our our best sails were a Code 0 and the anchor! Around 14.00 as the tide turned against the fleet, and the wind dropped, sensible yachts began to retire
The decisive moment in Class 3 came at the penultimate mark (3E The Boss) where Javelin, with a healthy lead, chose to cross early and head to the Island shore, Jetpack decided to split and kept to the mainland hoping for the predicted northerly wind to set in. Javelin soon had to deploy their anchor and was stuck mid channel, waiting for the wind to arrive.
Eventually there were just four boats left to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and sunset. Javelin and Adelie closer to the island and With Alacrity/Jetpack a little further out. Luck favoured those closest to the island with a gentle southerly breeze and angles that allowed the Code 0 to set.
It’s not often that a passage from Lymington to Cowes takes over nine hours – however on Sunday 28th September Javelin broke its own record reaching the finish after 9:21hrs to claim the win and Class 3 Series.
Adelie crossed around an hour later to secure the Class 4 Series.
Special thanks to Martin Banfield and the Race Committee who were on station to welcome both finishers, car headlights lighting the line – something very much appreciated by the two weary crews.
