I also wondered why all the pitchpoles were shown. You don't see that many when racing with these guys and girls. These people hold off top Formula 18 crews. I raced with them in strong winds and never saw any of the top crews over. I asume that they sailed in that restricted area to get the aerial shots from the bridge. The wind may have been very flukey and gusty. Also, to get good action shots, they may have been sailing tighter reaches than usual.

The class mostly races short windward leward courses and the racing is very close. If one of the crew need to go on the wire downwind, it is the crew. The helm needs to concentrate completely on his steering. Even if the crew slips,as long as the helm is sitting right back with his feet in the toestraps, it is likely that they will recover from a near pitchpole.

It is still cold on the lake, but racing starts on the 28th. I think (?) that I am looking forward to it !