The overnight rain returned for the afternoon racing. The light and variable winds resulted in a short postponement while the OD tried to determine the likely direction, as it wasn’t the same as the forecast, and swung through almost 90 degrees within minutes!
The 60 boats were split into three starts, and got away cleanly, though the beat soon moved to the second leg as the wind backed. Club sailors Matthew Somerville and Henry Bullen in RS200 won on handicap 15 secs ahead of Clayton Parker in a Lightning, with Oscar Manning and George Jacob’s equal third.
The course was reset for the next race, but the wind eased soon after the start such that the medium and slow handicap fleets had their course shortened at the end of the first lap. Unfortunately the wind continued to ease and various boats were caught out by the 30 minute time limit. Aleks Svietek in his Tera Sport won 14 secs ahead of Oscar Davenport in a Tera Pro, with Will Taylor 3rd.
The fleets went ashore for a break, and to warm up, and waited to see if the new southerly wind would settle.
Despite the continued rain flattening the water, the OD went out to check the wind which looked promising, and then asked the fleets to launch again. While setting the course, the wind faded yet again so racing was postponed for the day.
Matthew and Henry are overnight leaders with Oscar Manning 2nd
Sunday’s forecast was much more promising, and it delivered. It stayed dry, with spells of sunshine, the WSW wind direction was fairly consistent, and there was enough wind for planing conditions, as well as numerous capsizes to keep the rescue crews busy.
Three races were held back to back, and all starts were clear (Quite a feat for an open meeting!) Matthew and Henry from Bassenthwaite maintained their overnight lead to win overall, with Ava Harris Scott from Elton 2nd, and Henry Blades from Scaling Dam 3rd
Photo galleryPrize winners
Final results