This weekend we hosted the above event.
The forecast was for some great winds, and hopefully only light showers, and that is what the fleet got. The various gusts passing over the lake, not only gave rise to some great planing conditions, but created shifty conditions on the beats.
Andy/Rob Smith were first off the line in race 1 and he took and early lead, but despite some great racing his lead slipped away. He was in a strong position on the final beat to hold 2nd place behind Simon Potts/Peter Gray from Blithfield but it was not to be when he lost two places on the line to David Young and Neil Platt.
After a short break racing recommenced in the strengthening breeze. Andy put in another good race in race 2 finishing 2nd to Neil Platt, with David Young 3rd. Although Alan/Sue capsized and subsequently retired, he was keen to point out that he didn’t actually get wet, though Sue seemed to be left getting cold in the water….
In race 3 the wind continued to increase, but also shift more to SW. Andy again took the lead by the end of the first beat, and Dave/Lynn Lawson were close on his tail, but the shifty conditions took their toll, and Simon Potts broke through to the lead. With a few good reaches, Simon broke away, winning by a large margin. Yet again Andy lost a place to Gary Deighan on the final leg as the wind backed a little more. Blustery conditions at the first gybe mark resulted in several capsizes, surprisingly including Neil Platt.
Overnight results had Simon leading with Andy, on equal points, 2nd
Sunday arrived, along with rain showers, and a lighter, but good, breeze.
Andy again led the way to the windward mark on both races, and he managed to hold on to his lead in race 4 to win, and keep him in with a chance of the overall series even though at that stage Simon had a strong lead comprising a 1st and two 2nds.
The quality of the racing and competition was such that places were regularly changing. In the final race Andy had a good lead that disappeared in the final few legs dropping him back to 5th on the line. Conversely, Neil Platt found a good route up the final beat moving him up from 5th to 1st, and a potential 2nd overall. However, a protest held over from Saturday resulted in Neil’s disqualification and his position slid back to 8th overall. With Andy out of the picture, Simon’s overall winning position was secured.
Some consistently good sailing by Gary Deighan over the weekend resulted in a deserved 3rd overall.
Dave/Lynn Lawson had some better results in the lighter conditions. Their 3rd and 2nd earning them 4th overall.
With racing over, the rain clouds disappeared, and the sun came out enabling the prize giving to be held outside. The Commodore thanked the competitors, and all concerned in putting the weekend together, and the prizes were awarded by Claire Kirkpatrick.
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