Our correspondent embedded in Impala 1’s cockpit reports from the front line.
Impala 1 was 10 seconds late at the start, but first to tack into the ebbing tide to head for North Point.
Mike was driving, Hillary on main, Gaston trimmer, Steve piano & trimmer, Regula bow.
Gaston had to hike for Dave, who was AWOL.
Saturday 16th Feb.
Gaston Chan – Mainsheet hand, tactician, reports:
Ls started at the committee boat end of the line 2 seconds after the gun and tacked over immediately as planned.
It was blowing 15 knots, gusting to 20. With a No, 1 up and a flattening reef on it was all meat on the rail to keep the boat upright.
Hard work on the main, keeping her on the edge, easing with every puff….
When we reached the bricks we tacked back to starboard and crossed the whole fleet…
Rainbow was second. They had their No. 2 up with a less heavy crew, Taxi was third.
By TKS we were 10 boat lengths ahead, and extended our lead with a perfect hoist, hugging the old runway to KB.
When it started to look too easy, Ls decided to try a new nationality and do a Chinese gybe.
As we lay on our side Dave reported seeing water go in through the window.
Yan Pui was swimming in the harbour holding on for dear life.
The cockpit was full of water. Only Patrick stayed dry on the high side…
Rainbow reported that our bottom and keel was very clean and smooth as they passed us without pausing to offer any assistance… (more…)
Finding myself in Hong Kong last Saturday I was lucky enough to asked on-board Impala 1 for a quick jaunt around the buoys. Skipper Burrell had other views on our progress – slow – being the only printable word.
Anyway from the totally biased view from Impala 1’s cockpit I can report on the racing. If you are looking for objective, unbiased reporting, try elsewhere.
The weather was dry, bright sun, about 22 degrees, 6 – 8 knots of wind, shorts and knobbly knees on show. (more…)
Photos of the Nationals are here: www.fotoboat.com The HALS results are here: http://www.halsraceresults.com/crs/crs.aspx?DSKey=774&RaceKey=1269&NL=2&SSS
Plymouth served up sunshine and a shifty 8-18 knots of NW’ly breeze for the second day of the Impala Championships today. Positions changed as often as the wind direction, with finishing postions changing right up to the finish line throughout the fleet. See below for Tom Gruitt’s excellent photos. The Read more…
LIFE RAFTS I just thought it would be helpful to let you know that the Friday – Offshore race – will not require life rafts or inflatables as the RO will set a course within 6 miles of land. Kevin
Now that you have ordered your flag from Jo, a chance to show it off. All those coming to the Nationals are invited to take part in the RWYC Wednesday 1884 Series races. First start is 18.30, usually two races. SI’s are on the RWYC website, and the racing format Read more…
Dear Competitors, The catering at Yacht Haven Quays is provided by Jan & Jan and they want to do their bit to welcome all the crews with large amounts of reasonably priced grub. In view of the numbers they do need some warning of the numbers to cater for. The Read more…
The Entry Form is now up on the Royal Western website: rwyc.org. A pdf and a Excel file version (which will let you type in your details) also available at the bottom of this post. Note that for entries received before 1st June, I can have your boat’s name put Read more…