Siddique crossing the line at Punch Cross

Bonnie R approaching the finish

Report by John Cruise

Mylor Yacht Club’s annual pursuit race to Fowey was held on Saturday 26th May with a moderate NNW breeze ensuring a fast first leg up to Dodman Point for the 16 boats taking part. Turning across Mevagissey Bay a slight drop in wind speed and shift towards north slowed the leading boats and gave the later starting (and faster) boats a chance to catch up. However, another shift past Gribbin Head enabled the finish line to be made without the need for a tack, returning the advantage to the slower boats.

Overall winner was Free Again followed by Rattler both of whom were sailing under the Q class flag. Next across the line was Narnia taking first place in U class followed by Dolly (Q class). Second and third in U class were very close as Mary Boon misjudged the shifts approaching the line and was lucky to hold her place ahead of Gazelle.

Just as the later finishers approached the finish line the china clay ship that had been scheduled to leave at 14.00 appeared in the harbour entrance right on time. It makes a great difference when race competitors know about shipping movements in advance and it didn’t appear to disadvantage any of the Mylor boats or the local racing fleets thanks to the pilots and harbour officials professional handling of the operation.

While most boats had planned to spend the weekend in Fowey four competitors decided to head straight back to Falmouth ahead of the anticipated bad weather, making a 50 mile round trip.