27 February – Liga de Invierno, Pollensa
The strong winds – 25 plus knots, with gusts over 30 – convinced the race committee that it would be unwise to sail, and so reluctantly racing was cancelled. We adjourned for menu del dia at Can Ferra – sopa de pescado followed by beautifully pan fried fish fillets – delicious!
13 March – Liga de Invierno, Pollensa
Fortunately the weather wasn’t against us this week, and this encouraged eight flying fifteens to turn out. New to the fleet were Carlos and Nacho, proud owners of ESP 2950 Swampfire. They were keen and out practicing when the others turned up. When they came back alongside, they quickly became inundated with advice and help from those more experienced in the class. Tim Pyne was also back in Gekko, crewed by Ben.
Ken Dumpleton returned, crewing for Michael Clough in extra sensory perception.
As there was a major regatta in Arenal, Diego Riera stepped in as race officer, giving up his only day off for weeks. Course was set as an Olympic style, triangle, sausage and final beat. Later, we were to find that the cruisers did not have to complete the full course, but that’s another story.
The wind was from NNW, between 8 and 10 knots. The fleet split quickly, some heading inshore, whilst others elected to go out to the east. In the event, this paid off, with Steve and Teresa Parry in Triffid rounding first, followed by John and Stephen in fuego fatuo and then Spanish Fly with John and Mark. A close tussle down the first reach saw fuego fatuo fend off Spanish Fly, and close on Triffid. Coming to the mark fuego fatuo gybed early and rounded first. Arriving at the bottom mark, fuego fatuo hardened up for the second beat, and stayed offshore. This proved the right choice, as they extended their lead significantly by the top mark.
After the run, rounding first, fuego fatuo faced a dilemma, cover Spanish Fly, who was following them offshore, or Triffid who was going in? They chose Spanish Fly. As the wind dropped, the fleet concertinaed, and Stormtrooper appeared, taking the inshore course too.
As the fleet continued up the beat, the wind moved right, favouring those inshore. The two offshore boats headed back to the middle of the course. But too late – coming up to the finish line, Stromtrooper caught a 20 degree lift, and passed across fuego fatuo’s bows. Despite a tacking match, fuego fatuo couldn’t regain her lead, and finished two lengths behind, with Spanish Fly close on her heels, and Triffid a close fourth.
We all had a great afternoon’s racing, in interesting conditions with challenges all the way round. And many thanks to Diego – for giving up his time, and taking the photos.
Results:
GBR 3610 Stormtrooper III David Miles
ESP 3577 fuego fatuo John Walker / Stephen Babbage
ESP 3825 Dragonfly John Leaf / Mark Hart
Coming up
We have a full calendar, if you’d like to join us, visit http://flyingfifteen.mallorcaservice.de, we have a club boat available (and some for sale!), and are always keen to bring new crews into the fleet. Or just turn up at the next event:
23 April Liga de Primavera RCNPP, Pollensa
4-8 May Palma Vela RCNP, Palma
Weather has continued to stop us hosting the planned Open Day, we’ll hope to get this done in April – watch this space!
