Liverpool Yacht Club First Race of 2023
by Alistair Roaf 11 Jan 2023 05:14 NZDT
8 January 2023
Liverpool Yacht Club First Race of 2023 © Nichola Murphy
Sunday 8 January saw fifty-odd hardy souls brave 25 knot gusty drizzle to race the first of Liverpool Yacht Club's 2023 season on the upper reaches of the Mersey.
The course was set with one large triangle with 2 mile legs, followed by several windward-leeward 'loops'. The loops had various lengths for the three classes, with the Race Officer hoping all competitors would finish closely.
The Class 2 favourite, the Impala Skukusa, had the best start and almost crossed the rest of the Class 1 fleet. She was definitely the one to beat!
A big windshift turned the dead run against the tide into a broad reach which suited the A boats in Class 1 very well. They were able to sail their best angles whilst keeping (very) close to the Garston Promenade wall. This made for an impressive spectator sport for the various walkers taking a Sunday stroll.
At the bottom mark, it was Skukusa in Class 2, with Bojangles (J109) in Class 1. The J109 appeared to have a very good lead over both Daydream & Easy Tiger when disaster struck Bojangles... During a tack a crew member was thrown across the cockpit & caught the winch a particularly nasty blow. Bojangles retired back to the lock for medical assistance.
After another windward-leeward loop the three fleets were finished within 10 minutes of each other and everyone returned to the LYC bar for warmth and beer. The casualty was examined by no less than three retired professionals and pronounced bruised, but fit to buy a round.
Overall Results:
Class 1
1. Daydream
2. Easy Tiger
3. Run
Class 2
1. Skukusa
2. Lillibolero
Venture
1. YNOT