27th Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club

Running repairs for Anderica during the Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race © Bill Harris

Whilst it is true to say that sailing boats need a breeze, it is also true to say that there are times when it is best to stay at home.

This year has seen its fair share of disruptions to the sailing programme not least of which was the need to reschedule the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club's annual Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race, the 27th edition of which was planned for early July. Happily, Friday 16th to Sunday 18th August was clear for the event that was to take the fleet to Granville on Friday, St Cast on Saturday and home on Sunday.

Just light airs greeted the nine boats as they ventured out for the 10 o'clock start on a very misty and damp Day 1, conditions that convinced the race committee to motor on to the northeast Minquiers buoy in search of a little more breeze. Things were hardly better but encouraged by a light south-westerly breeze a line was set off the buoy and racing got under way shortly after noon. Boats made steady progress, some under spinnaker, to the Les Founets buoy, northeast of Chausey, until the wind died and boats ran into the north-going tide. Several decided to anchor and wait for some breeze whilst others tried to make the best of the zephyrs or, in two cases, retire. Rhys Perkins' Archambault A35, Abracadabra, sailed on to take line honours in the combined Classes 1 and 2 but it was Robin Jenkins' First 31.7, Jack Rabbit, which took the race, well ahead on corrected time. Andy Ravenscroft' Dragonfly 28, the trimaran Anderica, took line honours in Class 3 to be beaten on time by Arthur Manning's Starlight 35, Knight Star. Following a torrential downpour on arrival, the fleet received a very warm welcome in Granville.

Knight Star, Rico and Jack Rabbit leaving the Videcoq buoy during the Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race - photo © Bill Harris

Day 2 dawned to a brighter day with a moderate north-westerly breeze promising a fast run westward to St Cast. The intended start line, off the Granville marina, had a milling throng of French boats with the same start time as the Jersey fleet which, giving way, headed off to the Videcoq buoy, south-east of Chausey. Boats were quickly away following the 8.30 starting signal, some with spinnakers aloft, a tricky manoeuvre for some sailing short-handed on a close reach. It was a fast leg, in any event, with Abracadabra taking line honours, off St Cast, just three hours later but to be pipped by Jack Rabbit, again, on time. Anderica, as before, was first to finish in Class 3 but, once more, was pipped by Knight Star with Nick Bailhache's Moody 31, Fillipene, second and James Wildings Oceanis 393, Divergence, doubling as the committee boat, third. St Cast is a great destination with great restaurants!

Day 3 dawned with the wind now moderate from the north-west. The fleet set off, under grey skies and over lumpy seas, for home following the 9.50 start off the Les Bourdinots buoy, just north of St Cast. The sun made an appearance from the northwest Minquiers buoy and conditions eased to provide great sailing as boats altered course and hoisted spinnakers for the run to the Hinguette buoy and the final leg to finish off the East Rock buoy. This was to be Abracadabra's day, romping home some thirty eight minutes ahead of Jack Rabbit to take line honours and the race. Anderica also thrived in the conditions to be the first boat home, overall, but to finish second to Knight Star on corrected time with Tom Vallois & Luke Pallot's Van de Stad 44, Rico, third.

Knight Star approaching the Banchenou during the Waller-Harris Two-handed Triangle Race - photo © Bill Harris

The well-attended prize-giving was held in the RCIYC Clubhouse on Thursday 29th August in the presence of sponsors past- Commodore's Bill Harris and Rodney Waller who congratulated the very worthy winners and thanked all who had raced in this classic even. Mrs Denise Waller very kindly presented the place prizes.

Overall Results: