Congratulations to Gybe N (Simon Evans / Cy Grisley) for winning the chilly Spring Series 2024. Well done to Crackerjack and Mimi for pushing Gybe N all the way.

in an exciting climax to the series , last Sunday saw the last of the spring series with Crackerjack equal on points with Gybe n’ but ahead on count back, so all to play for!!

A strong flood tide greeted competitors as the start area and with low temperatures (6 degrees) and a gusty NW wind the numbers were a little light. Only three made the trip out with Crackerjack, Gybe n’ and Mimi braving the weather. Although Claire and Julian Sowry deserve a mention as they have been out on race team duty every weekend of the spring series keep up the Folkboater’s end.

Racing started with November as the top mark placed up toward the northern shore, a tight battle between Gybe n’ and Mimi up to the first mark with     Gybe n’ just beating Mimi to the mark. Xray (solent bank) and the strong flood made this a difficult rounding. Some confusion ensued as Golf was next but given the finish was meant to be up by the platform and there was a strong flood G would have been a passing mark. Gybe n’ went furthest inshore on this bases only to find that the race team were shortening at G. A big reach down meant Gybe n’ and Mimi were neck and neck with 50 meter to go.. Finished Gybe n’, Mimi and Crackerjack.

The second race was again a tight affair with Crackerjack and Gybe n’ battling it out to the first mark. The lead changed three time up the beat but it was Crackerjack rounding first with Gybe n’ on their transom. Gybe n’ managed to sail a little deeper and passed on the run to round X (Solent Bank) with 4 boat lengths advantage. A long beat back to the platform via G meant Gybe n’ finished first followed by Crackerjack and then Mimi.

Overall result were the same order but some excellent racing was enjoyed over the series although Gybe n’ are looking forward to the weather improving especially the temperature.

Report by Cy Grysley