Sunday saw the final races of the Founders Series & Menagerie Shield at FSC.
21 boats took to the water for 3 races, back to back, in a building South Westerly (12knots, gusting to 15 knots).
The RO set a P course with a clubhouse start.
There were really only 3 contenders for the prestigious Founders Trophy; Richard Bentley (Aero 7), Martin & Connor Gillam (Lark) & Ross Fisher (Blaze).
Well, Ross was Race Officer , so out of the equation. Martin & Connor turned up late & missed the first race.
Tim Cutsforth (RS 600) led from start to finish, completing one more lap than the other front runners, and claimed 3rd place. 1st went to Catherine Hemsley in the Aero5 & Richard Bentley came in 2nd.
Josh James stormed to a 5th in his Topper with his hands firmly on the Norseman Cup (Slow Fleet) & the Tip Top Trophy (Toppers).
Race 2 saw the same boats out in front, joined by the Lark of Martin & Connor Gillam.
The wind was building & this time Richard Bentley beat Tim Cutsforth by 4 seconds on corrected time after 40 ish minutes of racing. Catherine Hemsley came in 3rd & special mention goes to the Pico of Sean Hull for claiming 5th place & Josie Kelly (Tera) for 7th
For the 3rd race, and final race of the Menagerie Shield (& Princes Pot), the wind had picked up to 15knots, gusting 18knots. The tide was turning & the waves building.
Only 8 boats stayed out for what were the best sailing conditions we’ve had for a long time at FSC!
This time, Tim Cutsforth didn’t put a foot wrong & disappeared in to the distance. One more lap than the rest of us & won by 50 seconds on corrected time over Richard Bentley.
The Lark came home 3rd which was enough to win the Menagerie Shield overall.
Once safely back on shore, the results were updated & the trophy recipients decided:
Founders: Richard Bentley
Norseman Cup: Josh James
Tip Top Trophy: Josh James
Menagerie Shield: Martin & Connor Gillam
Princes Pot: Josh James
