The 2018 BCYC Pursuit Race ranks among one of the most successful for the club. 22 boats participated comprising 10 cruisers and 12 dinghies (8 monohulls and 4 catamarans) providing quite a spectacle – especially when a youth Topper is being chased by a 40-plus foot international racing machine!
Conditions made for competitive and enjoyable racing with glorious sunshine and wind at around 8 – 9 knots. However a lull towards the end favored the early starters.
Showing exceptional boat handling, the winners were Chris and Pippa on an RS200 from MYC, followed in 2nd place by Rhian Chase on a laser (intermediate race) and in 3rd (and hero of the day), young Harry Pressdee on a Topper. Harry was the only sailor who sailed for the full 2.5 hours and was still leading with less than 5 mins to go. He also beat his Dad who came 4th on an Aero. The handicap worked well with the first 3 boats changing places in the last couple of minutes and all 5 leading boats on the same leg!
First BCYC boat home, despite the race officer checking and checking and checking, oh, and checking again, was Paul Nicholson with Paul Hemsworth on the F18 catamaran.
The committee boat demonstrated girl power for the third year in succession with Rachel Ace and Anne Rees supporting Race Officer Alyson Nichoson. We had a plenty of safety support from club members and MYC, without whom the event couldn’t have taken place.
After the race we were treated to nibbles in the BCYC clubhouse and were joined by the crews of at least 3 yachts who made it over from SYSAC despite Saturday traffic. Congratulations, tall tales, banter and the woes of insufficient sunscreen were regaled alongside some enthusiastic re-hydration!
Colin, whilst sailing his Dart18, took lots of photos on the water and at the presentation. you can access these via the MYC website: http://
