Underdressed but not overwhelmed – CBYA Sail Training pays dividends.

The CBYA Platú 25 graduates raced in the Campomanis 5-Clubs last weekend. Here’s an account of how they faired …

Predictions for Saturday’s 5-Clubs Regatta were for a mellow 8 – 10 knot “shirt and shorts” day of racing. CBYA was represented by 5 members. Allen Bradley (skipper), Connie Forster (main sheet), Simon Forster (piano sail controls and trimmer,) Mary McGrath (spinnaker trimmer), Richard Pipkin (bowman).

The start of the race was exciting with all divisions and 30+ boats starting at the same time. CBYA wisely selected a conservative start, avoided the inevitable traffic jam at the line and was off on a beat to the first weather mark in 12 knots of wind. During this leg of the race the wind built steadily to the mid-teens. At the mark rounding, CBYA hoisted the asymmetric spinnaker and was off like a shot. Surprises awaited the crew as the breeze continued to build to the high teens with rolling gusts into the low 20 knot range. The crew responded with a textbook spinnaker drop and completed this leg on white sails. After rounding the Altea fish farm mark, there was a long beat back to the Calpe fish farm mark, with the breeze now steady in the low twenties. A brisk chop had developed, all crew were now wet from spray and asking what happened to our shirt and shorts sailing?. After rounding Fish Farm #2, it was a broad reach under white sails to the finish. There were both predictable and unpredictable thrills and spills during the race primarily the result of a building and confused sea state. Fortunately, all of the crew have recently participated in the CBYA Plateau 25 Training Sail program which familiarized them with the handling characteristics of the boat, but in milder conditions. That training experience provided the confidence to deal with a big breeze, spinnaker handling and an overall surprising day on the water.

If you would like to train and race on the Platú 25s, please contact our boating officer or watch out for our newsletters