With an established breeze from the east, racing set off on time on day five of British Classic Week.
The Long Inshore Race sponsored by Classic Boat magazine set off in 12knots of wind on the outer Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) line against a strong ebbing tide. After a fleet start, yachts set off upwind to the east towards West Ryde Middle.
Above: the Spirits going upwind
Rounding West Ryde Middle to port, it was a tight reach north to Hamble Yacht Services in glorious sunshine. From Hamble Yacht Services, the fleet crossed the Solent upwind (allowing for the west flowing tide) to Peel Bank.
At Peel Bank, the wind angle was just enough of a tight reach to allow for code zero sails on the leg up to Fastnet Insurance. Rounding Fastnet Insurance to starboard, the fleet went upwind once again to Qarr.
Above: yachts heading upwind with Norris Castle on the Isle of Wight in the background
Taking Qarr to port, some yachts were able to hold spinnakers across to Royal Yacht Squadron, off Lee Point on the mainland shore. The final upwind leg from Royal Yacht Squadron took the fleet to Mother Bank in a by-now slackening tide.
A starboard rounding of Mother Bank and a big bear away saw spinnakers hoisted for the final, downwind leg home to the RYS line.
Above: Lak II crossing the RYS line
Owner of Spirit 52 Flight of Ufford, Sean McMillan commented, “What a fantastic race. Lovely long legs, lots of variety, opportunities to use different sails; it was true champagne sailing.”
Several yachts fell foul of the sailing instructions by starting on the RYS inner (rather than outer) line, which resulted in DNS results. Spirit 52 Happy Forever continued her successful week to place first in Class 1, and Louise Morton’s Lak II won Class 2. Clyde Linear 30 Mikado triumphed once again in Class 3 and West Solent One Design Suvretta won Class 4.
Having crossed the line, crews were treated to Hattiers Rum dark and stormies and Dartmouth Gin gin and tonics delivered directly to their yachts.
Above: drinks drops with Dartmouth Gin and Hattiers Rum
