Results / Fat Face Racing Circuit Event Hayling Island SC - 23/09/2006

The final event of this years Fat Face circuit at Hayling Island Sailing club saw some of the best sailing conditions seen all year with a consistent force 4 south easterly breeze and brilliant blue skies making it hard to believe it was late September. After a short delay whilst held ashore the 10 competitors made the long sail out of Chichester Harbour into the middle of Hayling Bay to the large trapezoidal course that was to be shared with the Rs200 fleet. Race 1 saw the fleet well spread down the line with no end appearing favoured. Local sailor David Acrey showed the way to the circuit regulars to claim a comfortable bullet. Those chasing behind quickly picked up on the gains to be made by hitting the left hand side of the beat and the massive port tack lift on approaching the windward mark. David Annan sailed a consistent race to second followed by Richard Mayo. Race 2 was sailed in similar conditions with sea state building as the ebb tide strengthened. The steep short chop meant boat handling became increasing tricky with many seen with the reversing lights on after a botched tack! The top and bottom reach marks had been adjusted from the first race to give a tighter and more entertaining course. Once again Acrey led the pack, followed by an eager Mayo and Tony Mitchell. The breeze had built by a few knots for race 3. The fleet became increasingly spread out as the lighter helms struggled as the beat turned into a test of boatspeed. Mayo revelled in the breeze, followed by Mark Duckworth and David Annan in a close battle for 2nd. Behind, the final run resembled a graveyard with many taking their first swim of the day. The swell and strong ebb tide gave an interesting sail in over the bar into the harbour entrance with two foot standing waves to contend with! Sunday morning saw some sore heads and a light southerly breeze. The wind filled in right on cue allowing a prompt trip out to the start. The overnight calm and flood tide gave flatter water. With slightly less breeze the fleet enjoyed some close racing for race 4. Steve Reeves showed impressive height and speed off the line to take a considerable lead up the first beat which he never gave up. The penultimate race had the first half of the fleet bunched into the windward mark on port tack. One after another boats parked up in irons on tacking onto the mark allowing those approaching on starboard to make significant gains. As the fleet neared the end of the run the 52 strong RS200 fleet left the line to start up their beat calling for some major detours. As the beat was shared with the 2s finding space and clear air was to prove decisive. Acrey took his third win of the weekend, followed by a much deserved second for Mitchell. The final race was increased from two to three laps. However the breeze that had proved consistent all weekend had other ideas dropping to marginal trapeezing during the second lap. Shortening course came as a relief to most, with Reeves again taking the win. Many thanks to Fat Face and HISC for a smoothly run event in superb conditions.