#isora – The light and variable winds forecasted for Cardigan Bay also caused problems for the Race Committee for the Pwllheli rendition of the ISORA Night Race writes Stephen Tudor
The course was confirmed at 1730hrs on Friday and this took the fleet to Gwylan Islands in Aberdaron Bay and back to Pwllheli. The competitors were able to take advantage of the fantastic scenery of the coastline until it went dark and then the cloudless night provided a spectacular show of start and shooting stars.
Jackknife led the fleet and was first to round Gwylan Islands with Sgrech closing the gap and in contention.
The wind varied constantly and kept the crews on their toes with many sail changes and dodging windless traps on the way.
The dolphins also provided entertainment and company around Cilan headland.
Sgrech was trapped in a windless hole off Llanbedrog headland and saw Jackknife romp to the finish at 5 knots.
The competitors were the first to use the new offshore finish line in Pwllheli - transit from the Fairway to the bridge of the new Academy building. The building was lit and awash with blue and pink lights. This provided a great welcome for the tired sailors as the crossed the finish line and entered the harbour.
Jackknife took line honours and First in Class 1 and Overall which brings her up the Overall series table with big discards to come in the next two qualifying races
Aquaplane the latest newcomers to ISORA retired at Gwylan Islands having being stuck in Aberdaron Bay with no wind. They enjoyed the race and are looking forward to their next offshore opportunity.
The next race is the ISORA Dún Laoghaire to Pwllheli race on Saturday 15th August which is also the feeder race for the Spinlock IRC Welsh National Championships (21st to 23rd August) with competitors now entered from all corners of the Irish Sea catchment area.
