The predicted strong winds faded faster than expected and all classes in the MDL Winter Series enjoyed pleasant moderate conditions for the sixth day of racing.

The IRC 1 class had a general recall on their first start. The second attempt to start, under a black flag, was also adjudged to require a general recall and four boats were then eliminated from the day’s racing. These included the current joint leaders of the class, Tony Mack’s ‘McFly’ and Douglas Flynn’s ‘Kirribilli’. This allowed Nick Hewson sailing the third Beneteau 47.7 ‘Team Tonic’ to record his second win running. Elsewhere Edouard Wylleman sailing his new X-332 ‘Carabistoulles II’ had a 17 second win over Russell Hodgson’s ‘Kwik Fix’ in IRC 3.

On the Sportsboat course Stewart Hawthorn sailing his Cork 1720 ‘Yachtsandyachting.com’ improved his series standing in the class with a first and second place. The mixed Sportsboat class is becoming a battle between the two Beneteau 25s. This week honours were shared equally them.

The largest fleet sailing, the Hunter 707s, with 38 entries seem to produce different winners each week. This time the morning race was won by the Robinsons in ‘Bangers & Mash’ and the afternoon race by Russell Mead sailing ‘The Ant Hill Mob’. Most consistent though, with two seconds were Peter Sonksen and Dick Long sailing ‘Impromptu Too’.

Results:

IRC 1 Team Tonic , Nick Hewson

IRC 2 Alvine XII, Harry Evans

IRC 3 Carabistoulles II, Edouard Wylleman

IRC 4 Menace, Tim Rees

IRC 5 Purple Haze, John Dudley

Sigma 38 Red Arrow, RAFSA

Sigma 33 Sloop John B, John Bartle

IRM 1 Race 1: 4 walls 4 sale, Tony Rayer

Race 2: 2XL, David Murrin

IRM 2 Race 1 & 2: Bespoke, Steph Merry

Mumm 30 Race 1: Nautilus, Nils Razmilovic

Race 2: Warp Factor VI, Robin Fielder

Cork 1720 Race 1: Oi!, W. Smith

Race 2: Yachtsandyachting.com, Stewart Hawthorn

Sportsboat Race 1: Gul, Mike Budd

Race 2: Holy Mackerel, David Wilkinson

Hunter 707 Race 1: Bangers & Mash, S. Robinson

Race 2: Ant Hill Mob, Russell Mead