Page 17 - Folk Boat Year Book 2021

The three races were run with boats using their newly found skills in handling the
long whisker pole, which produced good close competitive sailing and varied results.

The long Christchurch ledge race was shortened to North Head and then to Warden
in a steady 12 knots, but this increased to 23 knots and died almost as soon as it
started. The way back had the fleet split in two with people on both sides of the shore
trying to get around Hurst castle with very strong water eddies that could spin a boat
through 360 degrees if you weren’t careful. Once passed the castle the wind picked
up as the race for finish was on. It was difficult to say which was the best side to be on
as finishers poured in on different tacks to get their line hoot.

The final Saturday gave strong North winds and with a Bouldnor Bay start line and the
first mark D with an ebb tide to contend with once again tactics played their part in
splitting the fleet, on when was the best moment to cross to the mainland shore.

The Classic division decided not to race and enjoy watching the Nordic fleet from the
bar.
The overall Nordic winner was Madelaine helmed by Ed Donald.
In the Classic division the overall winner was Mistress helmed by Colin Eales.
Thanks go to the race team and the Royal Solent for solving all the problems the
weather threw at the event all week and for their good overall organization.

By David Fox, Chairman of the Folkboat Association.
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