Light and flukey for Quoile Spring Series

Light and flukey for Quoile Spring Series

26 April 2017

THE second week of Quoile Yacht Club’s Spring Series got off to a sunny and somewhat subdued start on Sunday as a light breeze welcomed the competitors back to contest the third and fourth races of the series. 

The light breeze ped further after the NHC1 start, combined with 180 degree wind shifts drawing upon the competitors sailing skills and self-confidence in making the correct tactical decisions.

Quoile helmsman Jonathan Gifford chose the right side of the course for Apache and was rewarded with a good lead by the first mark.

However some determined sailing meant Killyleagh’s George Cromie, helming Chorus Line, managed to overtake him and secure a well-deserved first place by just seven seconds, with East Down’s Colin Patterson third in Digit.

The NHCRS fleet encountered the same confusing conditions with the host club’s Jeff Baker, helming Trinity, successfully securing line honours and second place. Kim McCourt was first in Romparound and Killyleagh’s Trevor Hooks was third in NikNak.

To the great relief of race officer Jody Innis and indeed the competitors,  the winds picked up for the fourth race of the series.

Strangford Lough YC’s Peter Holden, helming Go To Red, again took line honours in NHC1, but finished third behind Digit and Chorus Line.

The overall standings in the NHC1 class after four races are: 1st Chorus Line (9 pts), 2nd Digit (12 pts), 3rd Apache (12 pts). With just two more races to go next week it is sure to be closely contested to the end.

The strengthening winds in the fourth race of the NHCRS fleet were sufficient to bring Killyleagh’s Gordon Galloway, helming Finola’s Wing, to the fore and secure third place behind NikNak in second place and the crew of Romparound, who rounded off a very successful day’s racing with another first place. 

The overall standings in the NHCRS class after four races are: 1st Romparound (9 pts), 2nd Trinity (10 pts), 3rd Ardea of Down (12 pts). Again this contest looks like it will go down to the wire with just two races left next week.

Congratulations once again go to Jody Innis and her helpers on board the committee boat for two good courses, Frances Cannon for providing the hot food which welcomed the returning competitors and sponsors for this week’s races, The Artisan Restaurant in Strangford.