HSSC RNSA 2024 Wednesday Autumn Series Race 6 Results

Published 13:26 on 27 Sep 2024

From Joe Simmons:

It was an interesting evening as the forecasted rains arrived late, leading to stronger than forecasted winds prior to the start. Unfortunately technical issues led to the withdrawal of SUNSHINE, followed by the SOOD URSUS. CUTLASS already running late, much to the panic of her skipper was requested to take over SOOD duties, and a course was quickly prepared, Stokes Bay East, Motherbank, Kemps Quay, Stokes Bay East to finish. 

On arrival at the start crews were greeted by a heavy rolling swell from the south and strong 18 to 20 knots of wind from the South East. CUTLASS arriving with moments to spare opted for a single reef, whilst SEA NYMPH III appeared to be late with her sail plan decisions. The remaining fleet, opting for a mix of full sails and reefs.

With the race underway, SPECTRUM, CHALLENGER and JAMBO quickly established a lead pulling away towards the first mark, with SPECTRUM leading the fleet, CUTLASS and SPIRIT OF KUDO rounding the first mark in tight formation. Racing for the second mark, the breeze begun to steady with the occasional heavy gust providing an exciting challenge for the skippers. As CHALLENGER and JAMBO pulled clear ahead by 8 boat lengths to round the second mark. CUTLASS, SPIRIT OF KUDO AND SPECTRUM continued to battle it out side by side, CUTLASS taking the advantage and establishing clear lead ahead of the mark with 3 boat lengths separating them from a quickly tailing SPECTRUM and KUDO. Rounding the mark most boats opted to deploy their Spinnakers, with CUTLASS dropping her reef as the wind eased. All aimed to run deep, using the tidal advantage to lay the final mark, with CUTLASS holding off both KUDO and SPECTRUM into the final mark. CHALLENGER rounded first, followed closely by JAMBO just three minutes behind. For the remainder of the pack, it was sails hard in as the they rounded Stokes Bay East, CUTLASS held her lead with KUDO just 7 seconds behind and SPECTRUM just 15 seconds behind her.

Looking ahead, there are no published results for this week, as the tension builds for the next race of the series. But for those so inclined to calculate the math, I can tell you all is still to play for in the top slots of the IRC fleet, whilst in the HNC fleet single digits separate most of the fleet.

Full results will be published at a later date.

Last updated 13:26 on 27 September 2024