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Breeze and sunshine made last Wednesday another glorious evening for sailing on the Crouch in race five of the Burnham Sailing Club, Ferryman Insurance Evening series.

There was competitive racing in all the fleets but the 707s had their usual needle match with Blowfish, Roger Martin, claiming the best start and going on to win the race from Racehorse. Richard Bavin was second and Baby Beluga, helmed this week by Peter Marchant, third.

In classes 1 and 2, which run together, the best start went to Zipper as the others were shy of the line.

The Squibs again had a tight tussle - Lady Penelope, Malcolm Hutchings, edged into first place half-way through the race after luffing Spoof, who dived inside and forcing Trophoblast out into more tide, making a gap to claim the lead from there to the finish.

Chequemate, helmed by Ian Grey, worked into second place during the course of the race.

Saturday was disappointing as, although there was sunshine, the wind was light. However, the 707s racing for the Phantom Trophy managed to complete one of the two races due. It was excellent racing among those taking part, with Baby Beluga winning from Marlin, Mark Rainbow.

There are now three races next weekend to complete the Phantom series, as one was postponed from this weekend.

The only other fleet which managed to get a race in was the RS Elites, who completed a short course from the start line at the RCYC, around number 11 and back through the line, taking best advantage of the wind as it filled and faded throughout the afternoon.

Oink Squeal, David Wood was the victor.

On Sunday, the 707s completed the planned race for the day, which was again won by Baby Beluga with Marlin second, although it was close racing. The Dragons also completed a race with Quicksilver III, Rob Campbell, taking the honours.

The RBODs abandoned the planned crew's race and the Squibs and RS Elites also abandoned racing.

The Crouch Yacht Club held the first of their short-handed series this weekend. There were two postponements due to the lack of wind but seven boats came to the start line.

Just after the off, Mantra and Harvest Moon had to start their engines in order to avoid drifting into moored boats, and with Encore having decided not to hang around, this left four in the race.

Inn Sprit and Quillett found themselves well ahead after starting out in the tide but with the only bit of breeze around at the time. This lead lasted until the marina, when Cheetah and Zipper found the new easterly, set kites and passed both of them, sailing off to number 13.

The course was three laps around number 13 and nine and the lead changed hands several times between Cheetah and Zipper. At one point, Quillett overtook Zipper and held second spot.

However at the end of the second lap, after rounding number nine, the day's race officer, Bob Tubbs, decided enough was enough and shortened the course.

Cheetah crossed the line first but Zipper, only a few seconds behind, was unable to save her time and Zipper was the handicap winner. Quillett was third in one of her first races this season, followed by Inn Spirit.

It was Harwich to West Mersea back to back for the EAORA racers this weekend. Titian (RBYC) Stuart Galloway was the overall winner on Saturday and Tigo IV (CYC), B Fawkes, was the overall winner on Sunday.

Unfortunately, Double Trouble and Spirit were over the line at the start on Sunday which, in the light winds, made the way back over the line a long and tedious job, taking around an hour.

On Tuesday evening, for the HDRC, there were fickle conditions and patience was the name of the game. Phil Newman again had a great evening, winning on seven points from the eight races with two discards. Alf Reynolds was second on 13 points and Nick Milton close behind him on 15.

There were slightly fewer competitors this week.

At the weekend it was the start of Otter Week for the youngsters at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, with various classes including Optimists, Cadets, lasers and 420s taking part.

2:29pm Wednesday 30th July 2008

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