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Marconi Sailing Club

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Results

SOLO OPEN AT MARCONI: 6^TH JUNE 2009.

Visitors and home sailors arrived at Marconi S. C. on Saturday 6^th June to find the wind in the East blowing at force 4/5; rather more than had been forecast during the week, although the rain stayed away and even the sun made a few appearances.

The first race was held with the first beat against the strong spring tide and home sailor Michael Taylor took an early unassailable lead which he was not to relinquish. He was chased hard by Mark Maskell from Fishers Green and a pack comprising Roger Wilson from Rollesby Broad and James Mead from Fishers Green. Two of the 14 entrants had already decided that the conditions were too much for them and opted for honourable retirement. Instead of concentrating on the race Roger Smith decided to go fishing and returned with a monster fish that had landed in his boat! It was that big – honest!

After a break the tide had turned and the wind over tide conditions made for some seriously big steep waves and plenty of capsize drill. Once again Michael Taylor took a good lead which he maintained despite opting to wear round at one of the gybe marks. Michael Taylor is the first home sailor to win the event for many years.

Taylor, with two 1s, decided not to risk the third race and the field was reduced to 5 Solos to battle the conditions once again. After the leader capsized on the second lap Roger Wilson took over the lead and finished the event in second place.

Peter Playle took out the club Solo and was making good speed, especially upwind but unfortunately the mast broke which ended his Solo experience for the day. Mention must be made of the sterling performance from John Nisbet to finish 5^th and also to Steve Bright who gave the testing conditions a good try.

We wish to thank the many club members who turned out to make the day a pleasant, if tiring and sometimes scary experience. David Taverner and Russell Hadley for manning David’s boat as the committee boat. Jenny Ball and Fenella Miller as the RO team, Geoff, Bryan and Andy on Jack B, Andrew and Mitch on one RIB and Pat and Simon on the other. Tina’s family for standing in for her in her enforced absence, Dennis Dear and Pete Richardson for helping with the launching and recovery, John Salmon for the prizes, Howard the OOD, David Ball for results and Kath for reception. I’m sure to have missed someone in which case please accept my apologies.

Roger Smith.

Results.

1. 4247 Michael Taylor Marconi S. C.,

2. 4099 Roger Wilson Rollesby Broad S.C.

3. 4120 Godfrey Clark Fishers Green S. C.

4. 4658 James Mead Fishers Green S. C.

5. 3981 John Nisbet Marconi S. C.

6. 4601 Roger Smith Marconi S. C.

7. 1252 Richard Christmas Hunts S. C.

8. 4375 Greg Northmore Hickling Broad S. C.

9. 5012 Mark Maskell Fishers Green S. C.

10. 4699 John Salmon Marconi S. C.