ISO Gala - Lee On The Solent SC (29th & 30th July 2000)
Bright sunshine and 10 to 15 knots of wind greeted the ISO fleet who turned out for the Topper Multi gala on the 29th and 30th July. The racing got off to a slow start with the tide made forcing boats over the line leaving the race officer with no choice but to use the Black Flag. The fleet eventually got away and enjoyed some really tight racing on the trapezoidal course. The shifting breeze made the tactical decisions on the down wind legs very difficult with Mike Speller and Rob Burridge loosing their initial lead to Mick Whitmore and Sarah Smith in their brand new ISO. These boats were rapidly followed by Gary Smith and Lynn Whitmore who were enjoying some extra boat speed from somewhere, and Alistair Clarke and Pete Lindley in Team RWO.
The race officer extended the course for the second race giving the fleet some nice long legs. With the tide still running offshore the fleet were force out into the large fleet of yachts racing in Cowes week which added some interesting tactics near the windward mark. Speller and Burridge sailed a good race winning by a large margin by the finish followed by Team RWO. The third race was held in a freshening breeze and allowed the Clarke and Lindley into the lead followed by Speller and Burridge. On the last beat the boom aboard Team RWO failed giving Team RBRC an easy win. (We reckon it was those laser beams from Burridge's eyes that did it!)
The second day's racing was held in slightly less breeze and was dominated by three boats. Speller and Burridge showed their continued domination over the ISO class by winning all three races followed by Mick and Sarah in their new boat, and then Gary and Lynn.
