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FOLKBOAT NATIONALS 2017 - Royal Lymington Yacht Club
T
he Folkboat 2017 National Championship was hosted by the Royal Lymington
Yacht Club (RLYC) over the weekend of 16th - 17th September. Fourteen boats
competed, twelve from Lymington and two from Yarmouth.
Saturday dawned with sunny spells and light, variable NE/NW winds Sunday was
overcast with 8-10 knots from the North East with strong ebb tide. Challenging
conditions for any race officer.
The first Windward / Leeward race on Saturday started promptly at 11am in very
light airs; several boats were over the line at the start, including Crackerjack, and
Pilgrim. Claire Locke in The Otter, from Yarmouth, finished first, closely followed by
Crackerjack and Pilgrim taking second and third place.
After one general recall and three abandoned starts due to large wind shifts, a "round
the cans" race was completed in light and very frustrating conditions, Madelaine and
Pilgrim both going aground whilst short tacking up the mainland shore! In the dying
wind, Madelaine won followed by Tak and Crackerjack. A lovely rainbow appeared
over the Eastern Solent, lighting up the proceedings through the heavy rain! Later,
approximately 20 people enjoyed drinks courtesy of Tony Smee, (Folkboats UK)
followed by a dinner at the RLYC.
Sunday's racing began with a chilly N/E eight-ten knots of wind. The RO opted for a
Windward Leeward race to begin the day. The ebb tide and light airs made it difficult
to cross the line on starboard and there was some tricky port tacking to clear the pin
end! A couple of boats were recalled, but with a few wind shifts they were soon back
in the race, which was won by Madelaine; a close tacking duel back to the finish line
resulted in Pilgrim 2nd and Samphire 3rd.
This was followed by two "round the cans" races, the first won by Crackerjack followed
by Madelaine and Tak. The final race was shortened with the wind dying and a still
strong ebb. Tak won followed by Crackerjack and Madelaine with Pilgrim, Samphire,
The Otter and Eala battling it out behind.
Colour to brighten a rainy day!
Photo courtesy of Adrian Savage
