| Albacore Open Meeting 2007 |
|
|
|
| Sunday, 22 April 2007 | |
|
The forecast said warm sunshine and light winds for the first Albacore open of the season. Fortunately, the lack of wind didn’t put off the majority of competitors with a total of 13 boats taking to the water.
The lack of wind did, however, cause the Race Officer great difficulty in setting a course. A short lap was finally settled on in the middle of the lake, but the wind (or lack of!) continued to cause difficulties as to where the first mark was to be. After a short period when a reverse course was set, we were all away heading for the windward mark as originally planned. The wind remained very light but Norman Halstead & Ruth Birkett (6403) together with Neville Herbert & Stephen Penfold (6825) showed us all how it should be done. Local guys, Phil Tindall & Roy Box (7513), challenged for a short time with the first 2 boats and with the wind picking up slightly in the middle of the race. Regrettably for Phil & Roy, their good form was again caught out by the wind, which resulted in another local boat, John & Janet Woffinden (6490), taking advantage of a personal zephyr and ‘storming’ through into third place. Over lunch the Race Officer looked at a possible change in the course, as conditions had improved slightly, but in the end was left unchanged for the second and third races, being run back-to-back. Things remaining unchanged was the theme for the afternoon with Norman & Ruth, Neville & Stephen and John & Janet maintaining there respective 1st, 2nd & 3rd places for each of the afternoon races. The middle of the fleet had some changes in position and fortune, but all had a good day. Many thanks to all the visitors, particularly the 2 Fairy hulled boats from Thames Sailing Club and we look forward to the Opens for the rest of the season and, of course, to the Maidenhead Open next year with a little more wind. Please!!!!. Peter Ford Final Results: |
