Dart 18 GP6, Bridlington 17/18 July 2010

Report by Joe Franks

Bridlington held the most northern event of the Dart 18 calendar over the weekend of 17th/18th July.

With high winds forecast the turnout was expected to be at a minimum, but with 13 visiting boats and 9 locals a respectable fleet of 22 boats was assembled.

Saturday morning dawned with sunshine and a steady force 3 and as many woke up with sore heads this was a very welcome sight.

By the time racing was to start the wind had built to a force 4 gusting force 5; this lead to some very fast close racing with race 1 being taken by David Lloyd followed by Marco and Jamie Lynch taking 3rd.

By the time race 2 was under way the wind had built to force 6 gusting up to 34 knots this resulted in a lot of capsizes and some very spectacular pitchpoles with many boats struggling. David Lloyd took race 2 with Simon Moruzzi in 2nd and Marco staying in contention with 3rd.

Race 3 was run due to even more wind forecast for Sunday. David Lloyd completed his hatrick with Mat Exon taking a chance on the other side of the run and taking 2nd from Marco.

After 3 races Lloydy was 1st, Marco was 2nd, Joe franks 3rd, and Mat Exon and Simon Moruzzi were tied on 4th.

Saturday night proved to be a really good social with a fish and chip supper and live music; the party carried on till the early hours.

Sunday's start time was delayed as the Race Officer, John Pulson, postponed, as the wind was assessed.

After some debate it was decided to get three quick races in. 

Race 4 was taken again by Lloydy with Mat Exon 2nd and Chris Maw 3rd. By now the sea state was very rough and the wind had increased to survival conditions down wind. Race 5 was won by Mat Exon just nipping in in front of Joe Franks with David Lloyd taking 3rd. With many boats retiring, the last race was shortened and was won by Mat Exon followed by Marco Manganelli and then Joe Franks in 3rd.

All in all this was a good event with very testing conditions for all. Special thanks to Race Officer John Pulson who managed to get all six races in. 

Hopefully all the southeners didn't get nosebleeds coming so far North !!! 
 
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