The final half of the Hamble One Design Championship took place at the Hamble Winter Series. A total of 14 races were sailed over the two weekends, providing three discards to play with. Race officer Kathy Smalley commented, “The J/70s were all pushing it in the last race. Even the use of the U-flag didn’t stop the competitors pushing the line, and with the tide underneath them, three boats ended up paying the price.” Overall winner of the J/70 fleet, Mark Lees commented, “It is such a close Class, that if you make one small mistake, you lose three places.” The final day’s conditions gave competitors and race teams alike a grandstand view of some exciting sailing. To demonstrate how close the racing was, eight boats won races in the 14-race series. At the end of the weekend, it was Mark Lees and crew on JUST4SALE that topped the 20-strong J/70 fleet. Simon Cavey’s JUST4PLAY finished second overall, with Patrick Liardet and crew on COSMIC in third place. In fourth was Dave McLeman’s OFFBEAT, and fifth was Andrew Barraclough’s JENGA 8. For more Hamble Winter Series sailing information, visit http://www.hamblewinterseries.com/.

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