Day 2 of the Warsash Spring Series saw weather reminiscent of last year. With a comfortable 7 to 12 knots forecast from the North West, we were set for a good days racing. The sun was out but as we approached the start, the wind was starting to look a little lighter.
Mojo Risin’ and Jengu joined last week’s participants Jiraffe and Jybe Talkin’ to double the size of the J/109 fleet and we’re looking forward to the fleet gradually building as we approach the spring championships and then, at the Vice Admirals Cup, the draw for the carbonautica wheel, which is based on participation in these events.
IRC 1 and 2 started together as the first start. A long beat against the tide to the first mark at Hill Head delivered a few wind shifts. Jybe Talkin’ and Mojo Risin’ got off the line quicker than Jiraffe, but ultimately it was the left that paid, possibly assisted by a little shelter from the tide in the shallower water south of the North Channel. Jiraffe took advantage and managed to slip ahead to round the first mark in the lead of the J/109s.
As the fleet turned downwind in a strong favourable tide, the boats spread out and there was a lot of distance between them as they rounded to start the second beat. However, a large area of very still water appeared surrounding the second windward mark, an inflatable beyond and to the south of Hill Head. Jiraffe headed left halfway up the beat in a mistaken attempt to stay with the wind for the longest, but it was those that remained on port tack in towards the Hill Head beach that picked up the most. Passion and Malice from the broader IRC 2 fleet picked up a lot of ground and Jybe Talkin’ and Mojo Risin’ closed the gap on Jiraffe considerably.
Turning downwind, another hole around the leeward mark slowed Passion’s escape from the pack, but even a filling breeze up the final beat into the finish line of the wisely shortened course wasn’t enough for Jiraffe to save the time lost earlier in the race and Passion took the IRC 2 win by 14 seconds on corrected time. Malice followed Jiraffe another 2 mins later. Jybe Talkin’ held off Mojo Risin’ to the finish and Jengu followed up behind, saving time on the much larger Arthur who on corrected time brought up the rear of the fleet.
The committee delivered a good course in challenging conditions and wisely decided to shorten, allowing everyone an early visit to the bar at Warsash Sailing Club, then on home for family duties.
J/109 extracted results:
- Jiraffe
- Jybe Talkin’
- Mojo Risin’
- Jengu
Full IRC 2 results available on the Warsash Sailing Club Website
Thanks to Close Hauled Photography for the photos. More here: https://www.closehauledphotography.com/p854343838
J/109 UK & Ireland Class Association 