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Bournemouth Digital Poole Week 2024 – Day 1
25-30 August 2024
A windy welcome to the week
The 2024 sailing season has already proven to be quite breezy, a stark contrast to last year’s challenges with calm conditions. Notable events like the Round the Island Race and the Fastnet have also faced varying wind conditions this year. In Poole, even the local evening cruiser-racing from the Royal Motor Yacht Club was canceled last Thursday, marking an unusual streak of wind conditions.
On the Saturday preceding the first day of Poole Week, heavy rain marked the day, leading many to breathe a sigh of relief that Poole Week was scheduled for the following day. However, the respite from rain was accompanied by strong winds, with Parkstone Yacht Club reporting gusts of 23 knots by 10am. The racing, scheduled for the afternoon with first starts at 14:00, was eventually called off as gusts reached 30 knots by 12:30 and peaked at over 32 knots by 3pm.
With racing canceled, competitors turned their focus to boat preparation and mingling in the clubhouse, enjoying drinks and discussions about the ongoing Louis Vuitton event in Barcelona. Despite the lack of racing, the sponsors’ hospitality ensured that the atmosphere remained lively. Each day, competitors were greeted with complimentary drinks post-racing, including pints of Piddle beer or a cup of tea and cake.
Poole Week features both daily and title sponsors, with Bournemouth Digital at the helm. On Saturday, Dorset Private GP offered evening curry to provide a satisfying meal for competitors eager to compensate for the missed time on the water. A special prize of a comprehensive private medical worth £600 was also presented during the daily 18:30 prize draw, contributing to the excitement.
The forecast for Monday looks promising, with fresh breezes expected to favor the helms and crews of over 150 boats eager to commence their challenges on the water.
For provisional results, visit www.pooleweek.org.
Photos from the event can be found at www.SailingScenes.com.
Source
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
