The first race of the spring series saw 14 flying fifteens take the start on a sunny day with a northerly wind of variable strength. The race team set a harbour tour including a few marks this “club racing newby“ was seeking to locate. From an excellent line with no favoured end the fleet made the short beat to Brindle tucked inside the moored boats. Pecking order here was 4024 (Richard & Eddie), 3537 (Bob and Huw), 3934 (Homfray and Graham).

The long broad reach to Piccadilly split the fleet, with 4025 (Chris and Nadia) heading for the Brownsea shore, 40 and ‘no number’ sailing the shortest course and others climbing to seek more wind. At Piccadilly the order was 4024 followed by 3537 and 3851 (Ian and Kim).
The beat to Morris Lane split the fleet again including the leaders, and with the wind increasing a little the order at the top had some new boats appearing. Rounding Morris Lane 4024 was still leading followed by 3934 (Homfrey & Graham) and 3793 (Pete and Jo).

The following reach to Latham was the turning point in the race for some as a game of snakes and ladders unfolded. The wind became even more variable in direction and strength from force 3 in places to force 1 in others just a few metres away. Frustration grew in many boats as others caught up and went past. At Latham 4024 was now beginning to pull out a significant lead over the fleet, followed by 3793 and 3851.
The second half of the race consisted of two windward leeward laps which might have been one if 40 had not been so far ahead that the race team didn’t see him in order to shorten the course. That said the order at the front remained unchanged to the finish with 4024extending their lead and 3973 and 3851 creating some clear air in front of the pursuing pack as the wind decreased.

Overall, a well sailed victory for Richard and Eddie in the first race of the series and a positive first club race experience for Kim and myself, even after discovering in the bar that our finishing position (3rd) meant writing the race report. To this end, please accept our apologies for the use of sail numbers, we are still learning the who’s who of the PYC Fifteen fleet but would like to thank you all for a warm welcome.