Seven Dragons competed in the Aldeburgh Regatta, including one very welcome visitor in Vendesi, sailed by Phil Walker from the Medway. The event was truncated by the loss of the last two days due to very high winds, with the result that only three races were sailed. The first and third races were largely reaching races, due to the wind in the west which makes it very difficult to set much windward work for Dragons, given the large quantity of boats racing in the much more confined waters above the Aldeburgh Yacht Club. As it was the Dragons enjoyed splendid isolation in the wider waters below the club.
The first race was won by Basilisk, sailed by Patrick Gifford, Martin Spall and Andrew James. She enjoyed the luck of a 40 degree lift to take her up to the Blackstakes mark ahead of Naiad and never relinquished her lead thereafter. Behind her Naiad, sailed by Mike Hayles and his grandchildren, was second but Harkaway, sailed by Tim Hannon, normally a very reliable performer, struggled to recover from a poor start and only managed fourth place.
The second race was hotly contested between Basilisk, Naiad and Harkaway on what was effectively a windward-leeward course. Naiad appeared to have established a clear advantage about two-thirds through the race, only to round the Pig Pail mark the wrong way. This gave a narrow advantage to Basilisk and Harkaway. Basilisk managed to get ahead and held her position until the end despite a strong challenge from Harkaway on the run.
The third race was won on the start line by Basilisk who then sailed steadily away, not even having to tack at any point, though three gybes were necessary for directional reasons. Naiad, hotly pursued by Harkaway in Second and third respectively and protecting her weather sadly found the mud and allowed the fleet through, she did well to work her way back up to third, however Harkaway held her second place in what was the final race giving her second overall with Naiad third.
Further back in the fleet Vendesi was comfortably fourth best. There was, however, a close contest for the remaining places between Inditine, sailed by Hugh Rich, Nooka, sailed by Andrew Barlow and Panther, sailed by James Hunt. Ultimately Inditine prevailed but only two points separated the three. Personal handicaps are going to need adjusting again over the winter as Harkaway once again won on handicap.
So, after a year off through illness, Basilisk and Patrick proved that they were still masters of two-sail reaching and some of the quirks of the Alde. The Aldeburgh Regatta is different and more relaxed than most other Dragon events. Class racing in the morning, followed by a lunch break and then handicap racing in the afternoon. In the latter Amelie Hacker, sailing Naiad, showed that she could easily handle something larger than her usual ILCA and was the first Dragon. It is an entertaining event and more visitors would be very welcome.
Full results are available here >
- Patrick Gifford and Tim Hannon
Images: thanks to Fleur Hayles