Isle of Man Yacht Club hosted its six-race series for the summer dinghy regatta last weekend.

Conditions in Carrick Bay were a bit challenging for the 30 boats that took part, especially the smaller ones.

The fleet was split between the slower and faster classes (starting together) to improve the racing and help the race officers run an efficient programme.

On Saturday afternoon the light to moderate southwesterly breeze allowed a windward/leeward course, with the top and bottom marks off Kallow Point and Carthure Perch.

With the ebb current going upwind, general and individual recalls were made at each of the three starts, as boats were helplessly dragged over the line.

Ben Batchelor won race one in the longer course ’fast’ fleet, skilfully sailing his RS Aero 7, while races two and three were won by the new National 18 Ultra helmed by Phil Hardisty.

Cameron Blamey won race one in the ’slow’ fleet over the shorter course sailing his Laser 4.7, before Nikolas Ellis (RS Tera Pro) won race two and Blamey took race three.

Club volunteers provided an excellent regatta tea when everyone got back ashore, all enjoying the newly-refurbished bright and airy clubhouse bar and facilities.

On Sunday morning, the final three races of the series were sailed over slightly longer courses in a moderate southwesterly wind, with the flood current the opposite from Saturday.

This meant no start had to be recalled, with almost no-one within one boat-length at the signal.

There was one notable exception though, when Teddy Dunn managed a perfect port-hand flyer in his Aero 5, crossing the entire fleet in the first 10 seconds of one race. These kids don’t mess around!

The National 18 dominated the ’fast’ fleet with two bullets but graciously allowed Peter Cope’s Aero 5 to win the final race.

With the long beat against the tide and lumpy seas, it’s hardly surprising that the relatively big National 18 - with the advantage of greater length and boat-speed - showed a clean air of heels to the chasing pack.

On the shorter course, Blamey sailed serenely to three bullets on Sunday, with Ellis a consistent second and Rory McLaughlin sailing a Tera Sport slotting into third.

Between the committee boat and three safety RIBs, a dozen volunteers ensured all went smoothly in the bay and as many willing volunteers ashore did a great job with the barbecue and catering at the prize-giving.

Sincere thanks go to all concerned.

Overall top six placings: Fast fleet1, Phil Hardisty, Chris Hill and Peter Richardson (National 18); 2, Peter Cope (RS Aero 5); 3, Ben Batchelor (RS Aero 7); 4, Teddy Dunn (RS Aero 5); 5, Ffinlo Wright (RS Aero 9); 6, Ralph Kee (Laser Standard). Slow fleet 1, Cameron Blamey (Laser 4.7); 2, Nikolas Ellis (RS Tera Pro); 3, Rory McLoughlin (RS Tera Sport); 4, Max Cope (RS Tera Sport); 5, Daisy Cope (RS Tera Sport); 6, Levi Baugh (RS Tera Sport).

MICK KNEALE