The CBYA Platú sailors sailed in the 5 Clubs for the second time this year. This time the event was hosted by the Club Náutico Villajoyosa.

After a first briefing with Sailing Point, it was decided that all four Platús had to sail with a reef in the main, and the smaller jib, and no spinnaker. We quickly set up the boat and made it in time to the start line. The course was laid from Villajoyosa to Benidorm Island, sailing around the island and back to Villajoyosa, in total 12 nautical miles. This was the easy part. The wind and water conditions demanded a lot more concentration. With 20 to 25 knots of wind coming from a southerly direction, we were pushed north rapidly. The waves kept however rolling across sideways and repeatedly swept over the top, flooded the deck and showered the crew. Benidorm Island presented us with a still wind shadow, but after this short-lived breather a strong headwind greeted us as soon as we left the sheltered area behind the island. The way back was a rough, yet exhilarating ride through the waves.

The skipper, Allen Bradley, did a sterling job, supported expertly by Jeff Vander Borght on the main, Ben Woodcock on the jib, and Connie Forster as wave breaker and odd job girl.

After a barbecue lunch, Richard Jones finished his course, and won a well-deserved third place on Tricky D having done the course twice – I guess to give  Benidorm Island another good look.

The crew: Allen Bradley, Cornelia Forster, Ben Woodcock and Jeff Vander Borght, achieved 3rd place in class, in quite rough seas for this size of boat, which is just 25 feet.

If you would like to take part in a 5 clubs event, the CBYA offer training and racing opportunities to all members. Please see newsletters advertising events for more details.

Chairman