Six Marconi Cruiser racers set off early on Sat 21st May on leg 1 of the Spring Cruiser Series. Caroline, Woozle Hunter and Crazy Suzy, all sailing short on crew opted to race without spinnakers, and on the gusty passage to the finish line off Batemans Tower this proved to be a good decision.
Crazy Suzy was first across the line, putting her new main sail to good use, whilst the rest of the fleet crossed closely bunched together. Ned Kelly, having issues with her main sail retired and took the short route inside Bench in order to get to the line in time for Leg 2 which started at midday.
Leg 2 was a joint race with the Colne YC fleet and the 16 boats tacked out of the Colne, over the shallows to try and beat the flooding tide. After Bench Head, and then on the return from WMYC No:10 where kites could have been flown, almost all opted to keep them in their bags. On corrected time Caroline, was highest finishing Marconi boat, 3rd overall in the LH class, with Woozle Hunter in 7th and Blue Moon in 10th. Crazy Suzy, Ned Kelly and Monkey Business were in 13, 15 and 16th place respectively.
After a great social evening with the Colne YC fleet on saturday, the Marconi boats started leg 3 of their series in very light winds and against a strong flood tide. Once around the East Mersea point, the boats skimmed the bottom along the Mersea shore before finally making it out and around Bench Head. Monkey Business was having a great light airs day but as the tide turned and the winds died off Bradwell, all boats eventually retired, some after a long wait at anchor. Not the Woozle team though. After initially anchoring in 13m in mid channel, and then taking a very slow passage along the St Lawrence shore that saw them kedge another 3 or 4 times, they eventually crossed the line jubilant having beaten the conditions after 6 and a half hours of racing.
There’s just one time that needs to be confirmed in leg one, but the current standings in the series show Woozle Hunter leading both the Local Handicap and the IRC classes.
The Full results can be seen here:
Leg 4 and 5 will be sailed on June 4th and 5th when Marconi will host the Colne YC.
Trot boats, BBQ, Real Ale and live music is planned for the Saturday evening ashore. If you’d like to join one of our cruisers for the event then contact Peter Ward or one of the skippers.
