Close racing for the Pandora Cup (From Boating Cornwall)

Close racing for the Pandora Cup

11:38am Monday 6th July 2009 in Sailing

Despite reduced numbers, there was very close racing in the Pandora Cups race for Working Boats organised by Mylor Yacht Club. The moderate to fresh SSW breeze and rain showers came as something of a shock after the quiet and sunny weather of recent weeks. Race officer John Cruise set a course starting with a beat to North Bank followed by a reach to St Just and run back to Messack. Approaching the start line at full speed Irene hardened up mid-line and got away well in clear wind while Victory, Rebecca and Abigail Rose were close at the distance mark. Victory must have thought she was early and turned away to re-start although in fact her bowsprit was exactly on the line at the signal. Mabel, with reef in her mainsail, and Mildred were a few seconds behind.

At the end of the first lap Abigail Rose had taken the lead from Rebecca with Irene doing well in third. During the second beat Mildred called in her retirement due to gear failure.

After the completion of two full rounds the signal was given to peel off and sail to Restronguet Creek. Rounding Messack for the second and last time Rebecca was back in the lead by a boat length and it seemed to stay that way as they entered the creek. Rounding the turning mark, Rebecca elected to tack to the Pandora side while Abigail Rose kept close to the point in a bit less tide. What a race! Rebecca took the gun thirteen seconds ahead of Abigail Rose but with handicaps applied that turned into a win for Abigail Rose. Victory was next to round the point but sadly lost the gaff and had to retire allowing Irene to come through into third place and Mabel a minute later in fourth.