Last weekend saw Marconi Cruisers representing the club in local, and offshore events resulting in the fleet racking up quite an impressive mileage total.
Woozle Hunter and McGregor IV competed in the 125 mile East Coast Night Race from Burnham to Ostend via the North Shipwash.
Light winds and a flood tide meant a slow start for everyone, and as the wind finally died the fleet drifted towards Sunk Head Tower before hoisting the kites up to the top of the Shipwash. On the long leg across to the Belgium coast the wind built gradually up to 30 knots requiring a succession of reefs and sail changes as crests were being blown off the top of the rather lively waves. The whole fleet reported the tough conditions, with some retiring due to sickness, gear failure or simply being unable to sail the course.
When the results came in, after 24hours of racing, Woozle Hunter finished 4th overall, with McGregor IV in 6th. A great result, especially from Woozle Hunter as this completed her qualifying mileage for this years Fastnet race, and was back on her mooring early on Monday morning. McGregor on the other hand headed straight to Cowes for her next race.
In the BJRC Brown Cup race, Marconi boats, Blue Moon, Caroline and Crazy Suzy sailed one of the longest course on the card, out to Wallet No3 and the Spitway buoy, whilst dealing with similarly challenging conditions throughout the 36 miles race. Boat speeds were high, and Caroline took line honours after 5 hours and 49 minutes, with most of the fleet taking over 6 hours. On handicap Marconi Boats placed 5th Caroline, 12th Blue Moon, 13th Crazy Suzy whilst the IRC rating result returned Blue Moon in 2nd and Crazy Suzy in 6th.