Campbell 5 Downriver - Bruce's report

Campbell 5 – Downriver, Sunday 16th October 

 

Race Officers / SB1- Jane SH and Bruce R with help from Jane W

Safety Boat 2- Ray and Toby S




 


The published wind speed of 5 knots appeared somewhat optimistic, when six boats began the downriver leg of Campbell 5.





Despite trying to make the most of what wind there was, the initial leg was as much competitive drifting as sailing. Nonetheless, Jakob (Laser) made a good start and, by creating something out of nothing, maintained a solid lead throughout the first leg to the finish at Chelsea Reach. He was followed by Peter Mack (Solo), with a tight race between Sara (Solo) and Stephanie (Laser), who nudged ahead in the final seconds. They were followed by Alex (Laser), ahead of Tom G, paddling and waggling his Supernova to the finish.




 

The second leg was much more fun. The wind picked up and there was finally some decent sailing to be had. Once more, Jakob had a strong start and maintained his lead until the end. The rest of the pack were battling for position, with Sara steaming away, Alex and Steph sometimes neck and neck, and Tom in the mix as well. These four finished within 45 seconds of each other, with Alex a couple of minutes behind.

 

On corrected time across both legs, Jakob came in first, with Peter second and Sara third – the handicap enjoyed by the Solos not quite enough to overcome Jakob’s impressive leads on both legs.

 

Bruce R

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