DBYC Results: DB Pursuit Race: Sunday, 15 May 05

Sickness and broken boats turned the day into quite a low-key event, with only six starters (and seven finishers), but what a cracking day for a Southerly monsoon sail!

Sue Spear’s & James Oliver’s new Bavaria 31, Sandmartin, led off the Pursuit Race, chased by the rest of the fleet at intervals proportional to their handicap. The 20 nm course and 4 hour allowance thus meant that back marker Klementine set off 1 hr 40 mins later - the chase was on!

The course was basically a double ‘out-and-back’, firstly to Cheung Chau Rock and back to DB, then out to Kau Yi Chau then back to finish. With no intervening marks that left a lot of tactical choice, the very first of which was whether to route inside or outside Hei Ling Chau. Sandmartin took the inside passage, the shortest route but with flukier winds likely; almost all others went outside looking for steadier breeze.

Starting some time later, Wizard was the only other boat to elect to beat up the inner passage and rounded the Hei Ling Chau typhoon shelter to see the anticipated parade of sails stretching across the horizon. It was only as she closed Cheung Chau rock that it became apparent that all bar one were not sailing down course, but still beating slowly toward the first mark! It transpired that the outside course not only offered lighter winds and a bit of a hole, but seriously choppy waters from the passing ferries that effectively stopped the smaller yachts.

Although still well in front, Sandmartin was still in sight and racing sans chute, so this meant that Wizard, rounding Cheung Chau rock second, had the race in the bag unless Klementine could catch her in time. As it turned out, Klementine had shortened sail, anticipating stronger winds offshore and the rest, as they say, is history.

However, a tight battle for third and fourth place developed during the second loop of the race, with tactics again deciding the outcome. Sabi Star and little Rosemary were neck-and-neck rounding Kau Yi Chau, so Paolo took the line with the higher apparent breeze, to the West of Peng Chau, which paid off nicely - Rosemary crossed the line just 4 mins ahead.

The late afternoon headland picnic was very pleasant in the fresh southerly breeze. Having waived the entry fee and missing over half of the skippers at the appointed hour, the decision was therefore made to dispense with the prize-giving as well. A low-key event from start to finish! However, for the record, here are the results, in start order:

Lastly, special mention (and toilet seat, had it been presented) to Shockwave, looking great after her recent rebuild, for sailing half of the first leg with her fenders down! The truth will out...

Our thanks, once again, go to Race Officers Linda & Mike Huggins aboard Phish. For the album: