Wilsonian River Challenge
Day 1
The Wilsonian River Challenge got off to a superb start with the long distance pursuit race down river on Saturday. After a short postponement while the sea breeze settled in, competitors enjoyed glorious conditions with a steady easterly F3 and 25 degrees of warm sunshine.
Boats were split into two fleets according to Great Lakes handicaps with the Race Officer managing both fleets within a single start sequence. The format worked well and provided enjoyable racing.
Day 2
Well, today we found out what was meant by “Challenge” in the event title! Three back-to-back average lap races in F4-5 in somewhat lumpy conditions between Darnet Fort and Folly Point provided more challenge than most were looking for on a Sunday!
The racing was full on, action-packed and high speed. It was survival conditions for some and massively hard work at the very least for others.
The RO and mark laying team provided excellent courses and the race management was highly efficient. The safety boat team were kept pretty busy too!
After the gruelling racing there was no respite on the trek home through Hoo Creek back to Wilsonian with some nasty gusts and we only just got through before the tide took the water away!
The help from the Sheppey Event Volunteers hauling boats up the beach was very welcome. Many sailors were beyond shattered by the time they got back ashore. Thanks go to the galley team for re-fuelling us on our return and to the many volunteers behind the scenes at Wilsonian for such a well-organised event.
Find the results on Sailracer and photos and a report on Yachts and Yachting
Photos below by Tim Olin
