SSS 2011 Race 4

The sun shone for Solent Solo Series race 4 on a breezy Sunday 9^th October. Race officers David Giddings and Kirsteen Donaldson set the fleet off for a five mile beat due west from the JOG line start at Gurnard. The first run tested tactics as the strong ebb tide required yachts to gybe from starboard to port during the leg. The asymmetric yachts J122 Jbellino and J105 Voador had and slightly easier time gybing while Ding Dong, Fastrak V111 and Edith sailed deep down wind dropping spinnakers to finish the leg under jibs. Stephen Thomas on Truant HOD 35 put in a perfect gybe as the wind increased over 20 knots. The second beat was followed by a dead run to Baxters  off Gurnard Sailing club, gybe, for  a fast deep run up to the finish at North Thames Buoy at Calshot further testing yachts in the still building breeze. Once again the asymmetric boats faired better, others had a wraps and memorable moments many sailing the final leg under jibs. Chris Rustom on Ding Dong retired on the final leg with a broken boom allowing Rob Craigie’s J122 Jbellino to take line honours. Simon Curwen on Voador again won the day under IRC carrying his asymmetric on both legs finishing just two minutes behind Jbellino. Edith played it safe sailing the half of the run under jib before gybing to sail to the finish under spinnaker. The final race of the 2011 season and of the Solent Solo Series takes place on 22^nd October.

Overall IRC First Voador Simon Curwen J105, Second Edith Mike Saqui Elan 333, Third Jbellino J122.