Patriot Dominates ORCV Winter Race 2 to Blairgowrie

ORCV Winter Series Race 2 to Blairgowrie, another “Winter Wonder”

The second race of the ORCV Winter Series brought with it a sunny day with a light northerly wind. The day started at 9 am with 246 crew onboard 42 yachts who made their way out to the start line for the annual flare shoot on a very reflective bay. The forecasted 10-15 knot northerly had not arrived, and sadly never did, as the fleet slowly made their way south to Blairgowrie.

One entrant, which was able to make the most of the light wind conditions, was the J133 “Patriot” skippered by Jason Close. Patriot won AMS, IRC, PHS in Division 1 and the overall Blairgowrie Ice Bucket Trophy.

“We are really happy with the result. The winds were light, so we kept an eye out, searching for breeze lines on the water. We knew from the forecast that the winds were going to be out from the shore, so we kept jibing and looking for the wind,” said Close.

“All of us have sailed 14’ skiffs and been mates for years and enjoy winds from the very light to the strong. We’re all friends and no one is paid to be here. A simple make up of crew that just love sailing together for many years and it’s great to see the ORCV fleet size growing. We do a lot of ORCV events and are very supportive, so keep up the great work ORCV,” said Close.

Another entrant enjoying the light conditions was Double Handed entrant Rod Smallman sailing Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 “Maverick” to 1st place.

“We finished with 30 minutes to go. The forecast was 8–12 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, we were lucky to get 5 knots, with large wind holes a plenty. We loved the day and we were lucky to be in the right place at the right time to get wind to get us across the finish line,” said Smallman.

Another great sight was the fleet of 10 yachts sailing from Martha Cove and Safety Beach Yacht Clubs. Sailing were Etoile, Maverick, Wingara, YKnot, Tonik, Rogue, Balance, Crowded House and Joker on Tour. Gareth Davies sailing on Tonik commented, “that it was a real credit to the ORCV for such a professionally run event and well done Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Royal Brighton Yacht Club for being such welcoming clubs. And so say all of us too!”

For full race results click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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