Despite the appalling forecast that threatened a Force 5-7 and possibly even 8, which would have caused cancellations to some classes, the conditions for the second weekend’s racing at the Warsash Spring Series turned out perfect with a moderate, north-easterly breeze.

Discipline at the Black Group start was good, despite the strong east-going tide encouraging boats over the line. The sportsboats on White Group were however, a little too enthusiastic, resulting in several general recalls and one start under the black flag rule. The direct line on one Black Group leg took boats over the Bramble Bank, but only a couple went aground, most steering a conservative course. Competitors needed to stay focussed right up to the finish as hard won places were lost in the fluky wind shifts on the last beat, making the final decision on when to tack for the line an important one.

Several competitors continued their winning form from the opening race including Quokka (IRC3), Glide-X (IRC4) and Java (Bowspprit/J/105). Rob Bottomley’s new First 47.7 Decosol was the winner of IRC1 helmed by John Danby with Werewolf second. As always, racing was close in the Hunter 707 fleet with Censored finding the all important 18 seconds in Race 1. Key Yachting chalked up a further two wins in the 1720s.

Word had obviously got around about the Mumm Champagne awaiting weekly class winners at the WSC clubhouse courtesy of sponsors Raymarine.

The Series continues on Sunday 26 March.

Results (provisional)

Black Fleet

IRC1

Decosol First 47.7 Rob Bottomley

IRC2

Cool Runnings X-35 Juncker Visser/Jochem Thorkild

IRC3

Quokka Elan 37 Peter Rutter

IRC4

Glide-X X-332 Ian Dawson

IRC5

Hobby Horse Mustang Mike Fawcett

Bowsprit

Java J/105 Paul & Marie-Claude Heys

J/109

Jahmali Mike/Sarah Willis

Sigma 38

Festina Lente Meakins family

White Fleet

Hunter 707

Race 1

Censored Williams, Gorman, Breslin & Simmonds

Race 2

The Ant Hill Mob Sanders, Hall, Hunt & Barber

Cork 1720

Race 1

Key Yachting Paul Hughes

Race 2

Key Yachting Paul Hughes

Laser SB3

Race 1

Gul Mike Budd

Race 2

Loco Calum Smeaton

J/80

Race 1

Just Savage Liz Savage

Race 2

Just Savage Liz Savage

Sportsboat

Race 1

Quarter Back Backman 21 Thrower, Duriam & Mitchell

Race 2
Quarter Back Backman 21 Thrower, Duriam & Mitchell