WSR North League - Beaumaris

Seiriol, Cybi and Siwan turn for home in the women's race

As is always the case with our home league race we had a very strong showing with 14 BRC boats out in the three races as well as an amazing support cast of race officials, safety boats, line team, cooks, bar tenders and washer-uppers to ensure the welcome was as warm as ever in Beaumaris.

Forty three boats from nine different clubs had made their way to Beaumaris on what was a quite blustery morning. The wind was gusting up to 20mph over an in coming tide but having left the final decision as late as possible, the race officials were confident enough to send out the womens boats for the first race.

Racing from the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club with the wind towards the first buoy turn in Fryar’s Bay was fast and furious as well as being incredibly tight, but as soon as the boats turned the buoy and headed back into the wind the race was, quite literally, blown apart.

With the strong wind causing all manner of problems, the decision was made halfway throught the race to shorten the course. The race would no longer head out to the pier to round B10 before returning to the start-finish line, but instead head straight for the start-finish line.

The strong Menai (Open Category) team who had battled the wind and waves to come home in fourth place in Aberystwyth last month used their strength and experience to secure an excellent second place behind Aberdyfi with MYC Porthmadog taking third place and the Vets category.

Mabli (Vets), Siwan (Super-Vets), Cybi (Super-Vets) and Seiriol (Vets) all battled hard against the elements to complete the course with Siwan having the added bonus of being the first Super-Vet boat home.

A fast and furious start to the Open race

With the wind showing no signs of dying down, the race officials made the decision to shorten the course for the senior and mixed categories. The race now effectively became a 3km sprint from the RAYC to Fryar’s Bay and back to the start-finish line.

The senior race saw a thrilling finish as Menai (Vets) held off Clychau (Open) from Aberdyfi to win by just 4 seconds and ensure their second straight win of the season following their previous win in Porthmadog.

Afon from Aberdyfi finished in third place taking the Super-Vets category.

As boats prepared for the mixed race, it seemed like the racers would be drenched as clouds darkened and the wind brought in some light rain but spirits would not be dampened for the last race of the day.

Menai (Vets) set the early pace hugging the shoreline and staying out of the wind but Clychau (Open), still smarting from their earlier defeat took control of the race as the teams approached the buoy turn.

Racing back into the wind Menai made a push to pull Clychau back but the effort of the previous race not only saw Clychau hold on but also saw Eirianell (Vets) of Clwb Rhwyfo Moelfre steal second place as the boats raced for the line.

Just 30 seconds seperated the first three boats with Afon of Aberdyfi finishing in fourth to take the Super-Vets category. Thanks to all the club volunteers who made it such a great day's racing for all involved and we look forward to inviting everyone back for the Puffin Island Race on 19 July.