Round 1 of the RA PRACC Series, 2013
The PRACC(1) event 2013, sailed 24th March at Hampton Court, saw a much reduced fleet competing. This was no doubt caused by the snow and bitterly cold winds gripping the country - 7 boats managed to get on the water. The raw easterly wind was blowing only around the 15mph mark and all but one boat sailed in top rigs. The wind chill factor made things feel a whole lot colder than the mean temperature. Hampton Court sailors, Dave Andrews and Peter Townsend both suffered early gear failure which in normal circumstances may have been fixable
at the lakeside but not today when skippers found their sail sheeting iced up when left between races. The fleet was reduced to five boats and for a short period they forgot about the cold and whether they would be able to drive home and just got on with it. Joe Binks, our most senior PRACC competitor, threw in the towel when a snow shower blew in and he retired to the comfort of the heated clubhouse. A total of 10 races were completed before the skippers and race team agreed that no racing would continue after lunch.
After adding up the scores, Vernon Appleton sailing his "Sword" gained first place followed by Trevor Binks with his "Venom" design; Richard Uttley took third place . My thanks to competitors and the race team for their efforts.
Colin Trower, Race Officer
at the lakeside but not today when skippers found their sail sheeting iced up when left between races. The fleet was reduced to five boats and for a short period they forgot about the cold and whether they would be able to drive home and just got on with it. Joe Binks, our most senior PRACC competitor, threw in the towel when a snow shower blew in and he retired to the comfort of the heated clubhouse. A total of 10 races were completed before the skippers and race team agreed that no racing would continue after lunch.
After adding up the scores, Vernon Appleton sailing his "Sword" gained first place followed by Trevor Binks with his "Venom" design; Richard Uttley took third place . My thanks to competitors and the race team for their efforts.
Colin Trower, Race Officer