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The Club Is Buzzing

Published 20:39 on 28 Apr 2023

There was a buzz about the club today; something new that I had not experienced before - it passed me on the first beat. Yes it was Richard L's new boat; a Topper Buzz. Richard with Ian as crew were trying to get to grips with it. A task that was made harder by a rather light and shifty wind. To make matters worse the race officer threw in a downwind run that sometimes required one gybe or occasionally two. James H in a Laser got away to a fast start and was followed by Mark M in his Supernova. The two of them battled it out at the head of the fleet. Richard L and Ian Y buzzed Richard H, who tried a half hearted luff, but they were soon ahead, and things stayed basically the same through to the end.

Richard H tries a luff

In race two James H was unable to beat Mark M to the first mark and trying to squeeze inside allowed Richard H to pass them both. Things stayed basically the same and it was heading to a straight forward and predictable conclusion when on the final run the wind suddenly gusted from F2 to F4. Suddenly it was survival mode for a while. The single handers were struggling to stay upright, whilst the Buzz took off at high speed before capsizing. Despite their soaking Richard & Ian came ashore with broad grins on their faces. James H took advantage of the stronger wind to close the gap on Richard H, who just managed to hang on to win.

Thanks to John and Jon in the safety boat, and Keith M who was i/c flags.