Saturday 21sth April W- NW estimated 4-5 Culdrose actual 5-6 RYA Average Lap Series – 2 triangular races
Phil Philpot – Laurels for the Solo performance
Under big skies the promise of big gusts had already diminished the fleet before setting of on its 6th spring outing. RS400 duellists, Roger McDonald & crew Beccy Kestin vs. talented young usurpers Ollie Berryman & Ed Bolitho set of at breakneck pace. Fortunately there’s still plenty of time for capsize and trawling practice pre RS400 early Autumn nationals. Ed’s six-pack enhanced hiking skill was unable to prevent an untimely dunking – the boom cracking his head forcing early retirement. No retirement for Phil Samuel’s conservatively powered Radial laser, snapping at the heels of the Solo and remaining RS. McD and Beccy threw out a drogue but rapid untangling & gathering of the laundry allowed them to enjoy a closer more social race.
The consummate skill & consistency of Phil Philpot in controlling a rig 45% larger than the longer and leaner Radial was to be decisive. Ultimately it was to the perfect match between helm and craft in Phil’s shorter and beamier Solo that Laurels were deserved and awarded. Adam – think Jockey – a few extra HRSC club puddings should do the trick.
| Helm | Crew | Class | Name-No. | PY | Race 1 | Lap Sec | Act Sec | Race 2 | Lap Sec | Act Sec |
| Phil Philpott | Solo | 4785 | 1150 | 1 | 582 | 670 | 1 | 574 | 660 | |
| Roger McDonald | Beccy Kestin | RS400 | 958 | 948 | 2 | 595 | 564 | 3 | 601 | 569 |
| Phil Samuel | Radial | 186886 | 1110 | 3 | 605 | 671 | 2 | 586 | 651 | |
| Ollie Berryman | Ed Bolitho | RS400 | 588 | 948 | 4 | 656 | 622 | Rtrd |
Captain Dinghies Beccy Kestin thanks all those supporting the fleet on the day.
Marshalls: Steve Kestin & Margaret Statham
Safety Cover: Jonathon & Katie Sykes assisted by Christian Griffin
Photography: Steve Kestin
Average lap race accounting whilst demanding of logistics and support is deemed fairest to PY dinghy competition. A great credit to all those behind the action for selflessly putting themselves forward for duty.
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- Margaret Statham watches McD & Beccy mastering a gust on the beat through the first gate
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- Nicely trimmed the Solo making light work of the gusts
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- The RS has to go very fast to keep up with the Solo
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- Individual survival within a scattered fleet was the order of the day
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- Not wishing to test his attire for water tightness Phil’s fancy turned to the radial.
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- Huge skies big clouds strong breezes
| Class | Mainsail | Hull wt | LOA | Beam | 2012 PN |
| Finn | 10.6 | 145 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 1060 |
| Solo | 8.4 | 70 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 1150 |
| Rooster | 8.1 | 59 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1050 |
| Laser | 7.1 | 59 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1085 |
| Radial | 5.8 | 59 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1110 |
Helford has yet to see Mark Belshaw’s lovingly restored ’73 wooden Taylor made Finn which achieved 1st place in light airs at the June 2011 Falmouth Classic Finn event. How would Phil Philpot’s Solo winning form on a breezy day compare with the Finns sail to weight ratio?