Sam's Firecracker Weekend

Published 5:36pm on 12 Nov 2024

The final event of the UK southern circuit took place last weekend at Itchenor Sailing Club (ISC) as part of their annual Firecracker weekend

Saturday dawned with an early 10.30am start to get the tide right and an east north easterly wind with the course set just to the east of East Head. This presented a world of tactical options with the still flooding tide and the wind bouncing around off the shore, something that would be in attendance for both days. The course was shared with the 14, RS200, and XOD classes, which also made for some interesting tactical situations!

After day one, the consistency of Sam Barker of CCSC leading saw top three positions go to Sam Barker, Andy Tarboton, and Graeme Oliver.

The fleet then faced a leg-burning sail home against the tide to be met by a beer, roaring fire, and dinner at the club. After 5.5 hours on the water, it was a welcome sight!

Day two started with a bit more breeze as forecasted but dropped off slightly as the day progressed back to similar conditions to Saturday. Three more races took place to test the nerves of all sailors eventually Sam Barker broke free to lead to the finish in the last race taking first place at the event winning five of the seven races.

Sam Barker during the Musto Skiff UK Nationals © Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

Read the full article in Yachts and Yachting HERE