24-25 October 2009. BTYC at the Welsh Harp welcomed Firefly sailors from the London Universities and visitors for a weekend of Team and fleet racing
The longest weekend of the year is a perfect one to go sailing at the Harp and Castaways (University of London alumni) were delighted to be joined by 4 teams from UL and Imperial College. Despite some rain the race committee arrived to find all of the University fleet being rigged up so after an umpire briefing we set about the business of three boat team racing. A shifty westerly was adequate but did blow some weed across the race course. To give maximum opportunity for team racing a 6 mark course was set incorporating a downwind finish. This produced exciting 15 minute races with an extra windward mark rounding near the jetties to maximise spectator involvement. As only 5 teams made it on Saturday a triple round robin was sailed. The first round was dominated by London I and II with London’s first team incorporating several freshers. They certainly were exposed to some decent racing both winning races 1,2,3 and losing 3,4,5 to their second team. Imperial College showed some early form and were particularly good in the pre start and off the start line. However in the afternoon’s round robin they tailed off a bit and drew for 4th place overall with London III. Three wins each wasn’t a bad score though. In fact no team managed to win all their races. London II finished top having only been beaten once in 15 races by Castaways II who finished second. Castaways dropped only one race during the afternoon’s racing but suffered a lack of form in the morning – 9 wins to 4 losses. London I came third with 8 wins to 5 losses. Overall the day was a success with a lots of proper racing for everyone. Both London and Imperial show good promise for the coming season. The Foot Trophy is an open event so we look forward to welcoming some more teams next year.