English Commodore's Cup Team Trials
 Solent Inshore Trials, June 11th


For the first day of the English Team Trials nine boats turned up for the racing, although three of these
For Race 1, the RORC committee boat set a windward leeward course consisting of six 1.5-mile legs, with the windward mark being MacMillan Reeds and the leeward mark being a laid inflatable. The fleet got cleanly away first time into a breeze of around 18 knots true. Shakermaker 2 won the race by a 23-second margin from 2XL with Quokka in third. Aboard Quokka we were very pleased to salvage a third after some handling difficulties and a close shave with an out-of-control power boat ended in a spinnaker wrap around the forestay!

Race 2 was again a windward leeward, this time consisting of eight one-mile legs placing a premium on crew work. After a 5th in Race 1, Yeoman improved to win, with 2XL and Quokka again in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Fair Do's scored her second 4th place, making use of her new Banks Series 2000 IRM Runner which is significantly larger than her previous Mumm 36 Class spinnakers. Some of the crew commented that gybing in 20 knots with the large spinnaker and overlength pole was "interesting!"

Race 3 was a shortened version of Race 2, with four legs and a short beat to finish. Shakermaker 1 was judged to be OCS as the rest of the fleet set off. Aboard the IRM 9 meters, Quokka and Shakermaker 2, there was a difference of opinion over which headsail to use. Aboard Quokka we opted for our Heavy No.1 whereas Shakermaker 2 went for a No.3. In the 20-knot gusts we were well overpowered but as soon as the wind dropped to 18 knots we gained. Overall it was difficult to say which was the correct sail choice! With the tide now set foul everyone hugged the shore up the beats and the starboard layline to the windward mark was critical. 2XL scored their first victory of the day, followed by Yeoman, with Quokka again consistent in third.

After the three races the scores are as follows:
2XL: 5 points
Yeoman: 8
Quokka: 9
Shakermaker 2: 12
Fair Do's: 14
Born Slippy: 15

The trials continue next weekend at the double-points-scoring RORC Morgan Cup.

For further details or to discuss how you can optimise your sail wardrobe for IRM racing contact Hugh Myers on 01489 582444.

Roger Cerrato, Banks Sails

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