Race Results: September Cup Date: 11/09/2011…………

Location:  Fidlers Ferry sailing Club

1^st  Tommohawk  Falcon 44       Helm  Tony Tomlinson

2^nd Redfoot          Falcon 42       Helm   Ian Scouler

3^rd Cara Cara        Falcon 45       Helm   Ernie Griffiths

Strong to gale force southerly winds greeted the competitors of this special race in the FFSC calendar, although few boat were expected to take part in this event, 15 boats turned out the brave these conditions.  From the start at 12 noon and using one of FFSC longest courses (10 miles) and heading up against strong incoming tide, there are easier ways of spending a Sunday afternoon.

Some boats were in trouble straight way as none of the fleet could make any headway, which led to a great deal of frustration and close calls as boats tacked for best position. First to make ground was Alan Dodd in his Laser, mastering the conditions to good affect but his day was to end halfway round the course with a broken mast and early retirement. Tomlinson in Falcon 44 Tommohawk and Redfoot 42

Managed to break the grip of the strong tide, whilst others struggled. After 30 minutes most of the fleet had managed to cross the start line. The Commodore in his Albacore dinghy capsized approaching the start and like many other was forced to retire but also broke his mast. From the 15 boats that started the race, by the first mark only 9 were still sailing, that field was spread far and wide giving the safety boat teams some concerns. By the halfway stage the fleet had reduced itself to 7 boats with Alan Dodd still leading and Falcons 44 & 42 in hot pursuit, whilst the other remaining boats in the fleet were still making steady headway as the race entered its final stages.

Coming back from Warrington and past the club house for the second time the Laser was finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the increasing wind and retired, leaving 44 & 42 to battle it out for the line. With the final 3 stages of the race now in progress and only 5 boats now left in the race which was now over 2 hours old, all had to contend with severe wind over tide conditions as the tide started to ebb.

The final two marks saw Falcons 44 & 42 in close combat with less than a boat length between them, sailing at full speed the crews of the boats needing every bit of energy to hold the boats down as they approached the finishing line. Finally Tony Tomlinson in 44 managed to beat Ian Scouler in Redfoot 42 by half a boat length. In third place was Falcon 45 Cara Cara, 11 minutes the leaders with final two Falcon dinghies 14 & 33 finishing 25 minutes behind the winning boat.

The conditions were very difficult and demanding and hopefully they will serve to assist the FFSC Falcon fleet as they prepare to enter the Falcon National Championships on the 17& 18^th September on the River Dee. Thanks to the safety boat crews, refreshments and the video skills of Chris Forster as we reviewed the race in the club house.

 
Thanks also to Tom & Mal Roberts who presented the their trophy and undertook the Officer of the day Duties

Colin Howard, Sailing Sec