Force 11 anyone?!
Despite the dire weather forecast 15 boats arrived for the November plate at Southport. The predictions were for 20mph winds in the morning, but rising to 30mph by mid afternoon. So two back to back races were planned.
Some decided not to sail as the by the start the SE wind was blowing a steady 28mph with gusts of 35mph. All managed the conditions well apart from the odd capsize and recovery, but on the fourth lap the wind changed direction and blasted the fleet with a 66mph gust (Force 11).
All capsized. Some managed to keep the boat flatish but the gale lifted the bow and they sank gracefully by the stern. The result, who cares? No one finished. But most importantly no one was injured. All eventually managed to get back safely to shore on one side of the lake or another with themselves and their boats intact. Some managed it on their own others with the help of rescue boats from both Southport SC and West Lancs YC.
The fleet reach between the islands on the first lap before the wind increased (there is a link to a video at the bottom of this article) - photo Jacky Finch
Somewhat blurred photo, but gives a flavour of the conditions as
one of the fleet makes it safely back to shore - photo Jacky Finch
You will find a few more photographs here and a video taken on the first lap when it was not quite so windy here.