2004 Parhelion Autumn Series

The Parhelion autumn series, run by the Portsmouth Sailing Club. This page contains the racing exploits of our novice racing crews on board our Elan 333 and our second race series.

Results

Race Date Class Pos No in Class Handicap OTW Time OTW gap to 1st Corrected gap to 1st Crew
Parhelion race 10 6/11/04 7 7 1.000 1:25:33 +1:15 +13:54 Phil, Kev, Barry, Jules, Alan
Parhelion race 9 6/11/04 6 7 1.000 0:58:25 -0:20 +8:29 Phil, Kev, Barry, Jules, Alan
Parhelion race 7 30/10/04 2 6 1.000 1:40:40 +3:25 +7:18 Phil, Barry, Jules, Toby, Dawn
Parhelion charity race 16/10/04 4 4 1.000 3:16:02 +1:38 +30:48 Phil, Barry, Kev, Les, Alan
Parhelion race 4 9/10/04 6 8 1.000 1:23:35 +9:49 +14:15 Phil, Barry, Rachel
Parhelion race 3 9/10/04 8 8 1.000 1:23:43 +2:03 +14:18 Phil, Barry, Rachel
Parhelion race 2 2/10/04 3 6 1.000 0:57:55 +9:41 +12:01 Phil, Jules, Ian, Andrew
Parhelion race 1 2/10/04 5 6 1.000 1:18:37 +21:12 +23:47 Phil, Jules, Ian, Andrew

Race Reports

Series roundup

The Parhelion Autumn series has now been concluded. Following the last race, most of the crews were ferried to the club house by the volunteers in the RIBs. Much beer and food was consumed, races were talked about and a prize giving undertaken. The best bit ..... the crew of Scallywag took unexpected honours in the Club fleet .... the surprise on their faces when 2nd place was awarded to Katy and they realised that it meant that Scallywag they had won by the closest of margins ... same points but one more race win.

Many thanks to Nigel, Bill, Gareth and all of the other volunteers at the Portsmouth Sailing Club for organising both a fine series on the water, and also running a great club house.

One More Knot came 6th out of 8 in the series, so no prizes this time round.

Club Fleet Series Results

Courtesy of PSC
Rank Boat Name Class Sail No Helm TCF Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 6 Race 7 Race 9 Race 10 Nett
1 Scallywag GK 24 215 Jeremy Miles 0.850 2.0 4.0 1.0 DNF 1.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 10.0
2 Katy Sunfast 32i 9322R George Simmons 0.955 1.0 1.0 6.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 10.0
3 Just in Time Omega 36 4230 Tony Barnett 0.960 DNC DNC 2.0 2.0 4.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 14.0
4 Rhapsody MG C27 3075T Richard Edwards 0.911 3.0 2.0 5.0 7.0 DNF 5.0 5.0 5.0 25.0
5 Genghis Khan GK 24 1152C George Isted 0.850 4.0 DNF 4.0 4.0 DNC RDG(6) 4.0 4.0 26.0
6 One More Knot Elan 333 7563T Phil Duff 1.000 5.0 3.0 8.0 6.0 DNC 2.0 6.0 7.0 29.0
7 J Rider J 24 4003Y Marco Nannini 0.926 DNF DNF 7.0 5.0 3.0 RDG(6) 7.0 6.0 34.0
8 Stargift Fulmar 1230T Alastair Cairns 0.920 DNC DNC 3.0 3.0 DNC DNC DNC DNC 42.0

Saturday 2nd October, Races 1 & 2
Crew : Phil, Jules, Ian, Andrew

A new series, and for this race a new crew!.  With 20 knot winds forecast, we expected to be tested. It was very quiet in the Marina, but as soon the nose was out of the harbour entrance, it was evident that there was a decent breeze.

A quick discussion suggested a single reef in the main was called for. Pre-start antics entailed some confusion as we sailed across the line on port, to be swallowed by the IRC1 boats practicing on starboard. A near miss with Wild Blue, another Elan 333. Apologies from OMK to Wild Blue! (but at least it was a miss).

The wind dropped to 10 knots for the start of the first race, but we continued with the reef for about 5-10 minutes before shaking it out. Disorganisation seemed to be the order of the day, with confusion about the course. However, the VHF chit chat confirmed that we weren't the only ones. The course was basically an upwind downwind affair, but our confusion led us to sail 300m beyond the windward mark. After bearing away, we prepared to fly the kite, which meant briefing the crew etc. The kite popped up without too much bother for a nice spinnaker sail downwind with Ian at the helm, and Jules on the sheet. At the leeward mark and the kite drop, it was all looking good until the kite decided to re-inflate! The beast was eventually put back in the bag, so that we could proceed on our beat to the finish line.

Wind conditions had now become quite windy again. So in went a reef, prior to the start of the second race. Concentrating on other things ... like where the course went, and what sail configuration, led us to be out of position for the start, and we crossed the line last. On the initial beat it became evident that we were overpowered with true wind speed typically 22+ knots , so after a few minutes a second reef was put in. Tacking on this beat saw Andrew do some great tacks, handling both jib sheets. Boat speed improved, together with controllability. This race was a triangle, so after the first beat, it was a reach and then a run. The reach was glorious. We dropped back to a single reef on the main, which meant luffing a bit to ease the halyard work, but afterwards the speed was good. After the second mark with 26-33 knots of wind, we ran goosewinged for a while, before gybing and broad reaching down to the mark. After the final mark, it was a short beat back to the line. Ideally, we would have put the extra reef back in, but as the distance was short we just hung in there. Afterwards there was chatter about something flying off the back of the boat ... it turned out to be the bottom batten!

Afterwards, it was a call to the RIB for a lift across to the clubhouse for a well earned pint, and a natter with the other crews. We think OMK sails far closer to our handicap off the wind, but on the wind we have some problems! We're looking to learn.

Saturday 9th October, Races 3 & 4
Crew : Phil, Barry, Rachel, (Nigel)

An interesting weekend!  After a brekky in the lightship, we set off at 0845 for to find the committee boat and have a quick sail around. Unfortunately, the sea state and Nigel didn't agree, so by the time we had seen part 3 of Nigel's breakfast we thought it best to drop him off back in the marina.

A super quick drop off and with a charge back out to the committee boat, we arrived just as the fleet was starting ..... we made a port tack start just behind the main bunch, and, for a change, not actually last over the line. We were just relieved to be in the race, albeit with a crew of only 3. We had no idea where the course was going, so we just followed the other boats for a while. We managed to confirm the course on the VHF, which then safely meant we could mess up the tactics all on our own. Blowing F4/ F5, and only 3 crew on board we decided that the spinnaker would stay in the bag.

We soon got into a routine, with Barry at the helm, and Rachel thinking through all the maneuvers (blimey, a crew that thinks, and a girly at that!). We were sailing upwind with a reef and downwind without. Rachel ran the pit impeccably and Barry kept us out of trouble.

We managed 6th on the water, but still 8th on handicap in the first race.

During the pre-race antics, Rachel added her own complications by following Nigel's lead! Still, a quick bucket of water and get on with the start ...... only 20 seconds behind the fleet. During the first beat, we still had a reef in the main, but by the time the second beat came about, we tried it without the reef as the wind had dropped a smidge. Some good sailing on the water saw us move up from last place at the start to 4th on the water by the finish. By the time the handicap unwound, we found ourselves in 6th place.

Given that we only had 3 crew, we were quite pleased with the result. Then it was back to see Nige, who had been waiting in the lightship, and across to PSC for the obligatory post race beer and chinwag.

Saturday 16th October, Long Inshore Charity Race
Crew : Phil, Barry, Kev, Les, Alan

Eventually, we manage to drag Les out of the lightship after brekky and down onto the boat. A quick change into sailing gear and then the moorings were slipped in quick time. Out to the start to find the committee boat. The wind seemed very light inshore, but a bit stronger in the main channel. A debate about headsails ensured, after which the lazy option (it was already up) of keeping the No 3 (usually our best upwind headsail).

Some confusion occurred with the sailing marks, VHF and, as it transpired, other races in the Solent meant that we made an excellent start ...... 5 minutes early! After realising the error of our ways (gutted) we turned around a re-crossed the line about 5 minutes late and out of touch with the fleet. We made our way to the windward mark, where we hoisted the kite and proceeded to chase the fleet down the Solent.

At the leeward mark, we made our way back to the windward mark, omitting the start line buoy. As skipper Phil was helming the second upwind leg.... it must have been his fault .... but the debate will run and run!

Anyway, we could at least see the fleet ahead when we got to the windward mark once more. And at last a reaching leg that we could get stuck into. One More Knot was reaching with both the jib and kite set. With the pole well forward, the wind on the beam it felt good and the gap to the boats in front was decreasing rapidly. Unfortunately the leg was not as long as we would have liked, but the gap was closed significantly. It seemed like a 270º around the last mark before making for the finish.

Back in the club house, a number of new lessons we learned (will we remember them?).

Saturday 30th October, Race 7
Crew : Phil, Barry, Jules, Toby, Dawn

A light wind race day welcomed One More Knot new comers and secret weapons, Toby (Flying Dutchman ace, with significant results including 2004 British National Champion, and 7th at the 2004 Worlds) and his other half, Dawn, on board. After a brief drizzle shower, the sun came out and we had a glorious day racing in light airs. It was a good opportunity for OMK's regulars to learn from the master!

With an opportunity like this, Phil handed the reigns to Toby, who advised and helmed. Dawn ran the foredeck. Jules and Barry did the main and Jib, with Phil in the pit and Nav.

First off, Toby wasn't too rude about the sail inventory, even though he should have been.... The main was set, it was noted that our 3½ year old dacron delivery sail was quite full. A bit of string pulling followed, including increasing the outhaul, setting the halyard tension and cranking on a bit of backstay to try to take the belly out of the sail. Next up was the No 2, OMK's largest headsail. Once again a bit of string pulling, car moving, etc. to try to get a fine shape. In practice the light airs helped as they didn't overload the sail.

The start line routine was the coolest we ever had, gently motor-sailing with just the main at the 10 min gun to make a note of the course. Next it was off out to the right to keep out of trouble, still sailing on just the main. Tootling in, Toby had expected the fleet to go to the port end of the line to get the bias, however he hadn't counted on the way the club class in this series runs! A huge opportunity to push about 3 or 4 other boats the wrong side of the committee boat was resisted and we made a start in clean air, pretty much on the line with the other boats.

After watching the IRC1 boats do better inshore, on the left hand side, we proceeded on our first beat up the same side. The sails were set somewhat differently to how we would otherwise have set them, with a big backwind in the main but the curve of the jib and the leech of the main seemed to blend into one large sail. The leech of the main was very tight in these light conditions.

We made good headway to the windward mark, in apparently slightly stronger wind (or possibly less adverse tide). At the windward mark, Dawn danced around the foredeck and sorted out the kite which went up without a hitch. Toby, recognising the limitations of our heavy 1.5oz material chose a downwind gybing course to keep the apparent wind well forward and the kite full. The chart plotter showed that we had sailed quite a lot further, but the boats progress was good. Other boats seemed to have stalled and weren't really getting anywhere.

At the leeward mark the kite came down early and safely, without a hitch. The general strategy seemed to be to keep out of trouble and to keep the boat moving. The boat was running like clockwork, and the regulars where waiting for the usual OMK big mistake. On the next beat we followed the wind a long way to the left and things were looking good, dare we even suggest we were leading ...... A few hundred yards off the windward mark, we could see Just In Time coming in from the right hand side. If the wind held we would probably make the mark first, but the wind ahead was changing and we weren't quite sure how. When it hit us, we were headed by a 45° wind shift, which handed all the cards to Just In Time, who now had an easy rounding. We also lost out to Katy, who was a couple of hundred yards behind. Katy tacked on the wind shift, but as we were so far left, we just had to follow it in. Katy crossed our track only 50 yards behind, although they later lost out at the windward mark and we regained our advantage.

After rounding the top mark, it was a drag race down to the bottom mark for a shortened finish. With the wind shift, we were able to hoist the kite, and reach straight to the mark. With the pole just off the forestay, we managed to keep the boat going. At one point we were concerned that the tide would wash us down past the bottom of the line forcing us to drop the kite, as eventually happened to Just In Time a few minutes ahead. We managed to sneak through the line, only 3 minutes behind the leaders for very creditable 2nd place.

With failing wind, the latter parts of the fleet struggled to make the windward mark for the second time, against both wind and tide. The second race of the day was abandoned due to the failing wind.

Later in the club house, with big smiles on our faces, a couple of beers were consumed. Dawn complained that with the furling gear it felt like she had nothing to do on the foredeck other than tie the kite on! One More Knot's performance surprised the other boats in the class, given our track record! Obviously it is possible to coax a bit of extra life out of our old dacron cruising sails.

Thanks to all ... after what can only be described as a great days sailing for the OMK team.

How many of the lessons learnt are remembered remains to be seen. Our key lessons:

Saturday 6th November, Race 9
Crew : Phil, Kev, Barry, Jules, Alan

After last weeks joy of ringer induced success, this week challenge was to see if we could both remember and implement the lesson learned last week. Light airs were once again forecast, although in practice they filled into a reasonable F3 from the NW. 20 minutes was spent discussing main halyard tension .... but it actually didn't seem to make much difference! Skipper Phil eventually stopped the circular discussion with the halyard tension somewhere in the middle and the main still looking quite pregnant!

The starting procedure was definitely much cooler. Motoring up to the committee boat 10 mins before the race to collect the course details, followed by keeping out of trouble on the starboard end of the line with just the main up. It seems a lot easier to control the boat speed with just the main trimmer and the helm involved.

The start itself was probably the closest of the season, with the fleet all out for making last minute improvements to their series scores. The fantasy thinking had OMK down for a repeat performance of last week, which could move us up a spot. At a minute to go, OMK approach the line, still just under the main. At 40 seconds, the jib was unfurled (easy on a cruising boat!) and the sails trimmed for one of our best starts. The fleet was definitely tight on this one. OMK seemed to have clean wind, although at the least favoured starboard end of the line.

This race seemed to be remembered as a bit of a blur. There was quite a lot of concentration on board. During the first beat, we found clear air, and seemed to be very much in touch at the windward mark. Our new found trick of moving everyone except the helm forward helping to keep the transom clear and slippery. The leech of the main was also considerably tight than we had been used to.

The course had been set as a two lap upwind downwind, but with a gibe mark on the first lap. We were a little slow putting the kite up, with Kevin doing a grand job of teaching Alan how to do the foredeck. Meanwhile Barry and Jules were looking after the strings in the cockpit. The first downwind leg was raced quite close with a couple of other boats. The gybe was uneventful .... about the only advantage the lazy sheet / guy set up we use. Normally, we just seem to tie ourselves in knots with all the string.

During the second beat, the fleet appeared to open up a bit. On the downwind leg, this time without the gibe mark, we put a gybe in anyway, as it allowed us to stay broad reaching for longer. It certainly seemed to have better boat speed, but still the age old question of VMG. The kite drop wasn't the best, followed by a short beat back to the finish line.

This was the first race of the series where we beat the handicap winner on the water ..... a small measure of success. Of course, by the time the handicaps had unwound, we were back down the fleet again.

Saturday 6th November, Race 10
Crew : Phil, Kev, Barry, Jules, Alan

The last race of the series ......

After following the same start procedure as we used in race 9, OMK was in a good position with 30 seconds to go. With the jib unfurled and hardening-up, there was a distinct opportunity pushup onto the committee boat and cut-off Just In Time who was charging in. Her only option would have been to tack off, however Phil's nerve broke and he let Just In Time through. This immediately put us in dirty air for the start.

This race was a straight upwind and downwind two lapper, with a gate on the upwind legs. One the first beat, we found ourselves in reasonable wind on the left hand side. The fleet was well spread out. For a while we thought we were doing quite well, but when the fleet converged at the windward mark, we were once again mixing it on the water with the GK's and Rhapsody.

The first run was implemented with a bit of running and broad reaching, followed by a gybe too near the mark. This confused the kite drop once again! The next beat saw us zoom off to the right .... at which point we remembered we needed to go through the gate. A quick tack put us in the right direction, and fortunately we hadn't gone too far. Somehow, we had lost our ability to point quite so high ... and we feared that we were losing ground. Crossing the line (on port) was interesting as the IRC1 fleet was charging back down through the line with the kites flying ... and on starboard.

On approach to the windward mark, we prepped the spinnaker. The plan was then to tack to allow the pole to be hoisted, to allow a smart kite hoist as we rounded the mark. But .... we made it hard for ourselves. The fleet had converged, and the whole lot seemed to under estimate the tide and get pushed down below the mark forcing another pair of tacks.

We rounded the mark just in front of eventual winners Scallywag. Downwind we duelled with Scallywag, and although we remained in front, we think that Scallywag got the better of us, matching our pace, when in practice our handicap indicates that we should be 15% faster on the water. In the bar afterwards, they jested that they had been trying to hook our horse shoe off the rail. Once again, the kite drop wasn't the best, and Scallywag sneaked inside and beat us over the line by just over a minute.

Links to other sailing stuff

One More Knot's homepage

Elan 333 review

One More Knots Portsmouth and South coast instant tide and weather page

Phil and Lynn's Albums, including some sailing pictures

GK24 Owners Association .... GK24's seem to be both popular and pretty fast in this series!