Hilbre Island Race - 22nd September 2013

Bright sunshine and ideal conditions made a pleasant surprise compared to last year's race that had to be moved to Liverpool docks. A new race base at the Dee Sailing Club made for a longer race and great facilities including changing rooms, showers, toilets and a bar!

About 50 boats lined up for the Le Mans start and soon after the starting hooter Ian Tordoff, Chris McSweeny and James Mayers were setting the pace heading down the estuary en route to the Hilbre Islands. A light headwind and small waves built up as we approached the NW side of the main island to create some choppy conditions and a few larger waves pushed us back south to start the return leg. The following wind and waves sometimes quickened my speed and sometimes slowed me as they pushed me offline.

I finished in tenth, in a time of 1:34:54, some 21 minutes behind the winner and 12 minutes behind the boat in third place. Well off the prizes this year, though I wasn't expecting to do well with the much stronger field and having done a lot less training this year.

Nice to have a chat with a few friends at the barbecue on the lawn of the sailing club after the race.

Thanks to Liverpool Canoe Club for organising the event.