Bournemouth Digital Poole Week 2024: Explore Innovation and Technology
Bournemouth Digital Poole Week 2024 – Day 2
25-30 August 2024
A stunning day of sun, wind, and sparkle
After the first day of Poole Week was canceled due to winds gusting over 30 knots, Monday revealed the idyllic conditions that Poole Harbour is renowned for: a steady breeze of 16-20 knots from the south-west, complemented by nearly uninterrupted sunshine. With ample water due to the tide and some exciting waves, the downwind sailing was particularly enjoyable.
Monday was a dream day for racing sailors who relish a bit of excitement. While some competitors anticipate gentler winds as the week progresses, the challenging conditions on Monday demanded fitness and bravery. Sailors had to keep their boats flat and fast, navigate the waves skillfully, maintain clear air, and avoid unexpected holes in the wind, which caught a few off guard during the first race. One Dart sailor noted, “We were fully de-powered and sailing in 20 knots plus, then suddenly we ran out of pressure. There were some very strange holes in the wind.”
Further up the harbour, the Flying Fifteens and ILCAs, starting from the committee boat line in the Top Triangle, experienced a breeze that was both steadier and fresher. One Flying Fifteen helm estimated peak gusts at around 26 knots, with nearby Poole Yacht Club affirming these readings.
The Flying Fifteens saw the favorites excel, with Bob Alexander and Huw Willetts capturing two first-place finishes, closely followed by Richard Whitworth and Trefor Jones, who secured two second-place finishes. Geof Gibbons and Dave Moy, having transitioned to the Fifteens from the Wayfarers only a few years prior, ended the first day in 3rd overall.
In the ILCA 6s, sailors from Dragon Bay Sailing Club in the Cayman Islands claimed the 2nd and 4th positions. Meanwhile, Matt Reid emerged victorious in both races of the ILCA 7s, establishing a commanding lead over Alan Davis.
The Dolphins fleet boasted 10 boats on the water, showing solid competition, even though their numbers were surpassed by the Cornish Shrimpers, which had 16 entries, although not all participated on Monday.
Racing in the slower classes was fiercely competitive, with particularly close races in the Dolphins, Shrimpers, and even the XODs. Visitors from Itchenor, along with five from Lymington, contributed to a robust Poole Week XOD fleet, totaling 25 boats, where visitors held seven of the top eight spots. Locally, Willie McNeill represented the home team, leading after the first day and sharing points with last year’s champion, John Tremlett from Itchenor.
The other classes, including Wayfarers, RS200s, RS400s, and both fast and slow handicap races, also featured great competition.
Many sailors returned ashore after an exhilarating day, eager to relax and recover with a pint or two. While the upcoming forecast suggests lighter winds, competitors can expect that their mental skills will be put to the test throughout the remainder of the week.
Provisional results can be found on www.pooleweek.org.
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.