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Marconi Sailing Club

Membership open to all

Dart 15 Open Meeting 2004

17th & 18th April 2004

Marconi Sailing Club welcomed visitors from four clubs to their open meeting. Bright but windy weather on the Saturday with winds of Force 4 – 5 was followed on Sunday with wet and wild weather with winds of Force 5 – 6 with strong gusts.

Race 1

Race 1 saw an even and very competitive start from all competitors. The first nine finishers completed the course within 3½ minutes of each other. George Carter was first across the line sailing a Sprint version of the Dart 15. When his time was corrected he was pushed in to second place by just 12 seconds. First place was taken by Bob Carter, with Pete Richardson in third.

Race 2

Race 2, in a strengthening wind, stretched all the entrants but eventually George Carter established a strong lead and took first place. Again, only 3 minutes separated the next 7 boats, Gordon Goldstone took second, Nick Dewhirst third and Philip Howden fourth.

Race 3

Race 3 on Sunday was a long distance event including a rounding of Northey and Osea Islands. Tim Dieu De Bellafontaine pipped Bob Carter on the line to take first and the course was completed in a record time of 40 minutes!

Race 4

Race 4 the final race was a clear win for the overall event winner George Carter of Grafham Water S.C. and everyone retired to the galley for some well earned tea and cake!