Sprint 15 Open 2006

Report and results

Windsport Sprint 15 Traveller Event
Marconi SC 29/30 April 2006

The first Windsport - Catparts Sprint 15 Summer Traveller Series of 2006 took place at the club over the May Bank Holiday.  9 visitors joined  an excellent turnout of 10 Marconi Sprint 15 sailors for the event.

Competitors arrived to a cold but fresh northerly breeze.  Race 1 saw a false early start for three competitors and Kevin Kirby fell off his new boat.  Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet set off and the youngest sailor, our own James Tovey established an early lead to win the race convincingly, followed by Philip Howden (Grafham) and Jenny Ball.

Race 2 was the much celebrated figure of eight race round Osea and Northey Islands.  The fleet set off on a fast paced reach round Osea.  The whole fleet were still bunched together round the back of Northey Island with many different tactics in play to try and beat the pack.  Kevin Kirby and Jenny Ball were battling with the rest of the fleet close in shore to Northey Island.  Meanwhile, Pete Richardson led an alternative tactic further out in the tide where there was more wind.  The two sport mode boats with George Stephen (Queen Mary) and Trevor Bulmer-Jones (Netley) led the way home  – but on handicap, the race went to Jenny Ball, followed by Bob Carter (Grafham) and Pete Richardson.

Sunday brought light and variable winds making the strong tide a real challenge for locals and visitors alike.  After leading for most of the race, the fluky winds got the better of Jenny Ball and allowed Philip Howden to win the race with Bob Carter in third place.  Eamonn Browne and Andrew Hannah (Thorpe Bay) were close behind and the rest of the fleet showed considerable perseverance to finish the race.

By race 4, a slightly stronger but variable wind had filled in.  Jenny Ball entertained the fleet with an involuntary capsize just after the start.  Eamonn Browne also obliged with a capsize on the third lap.  George Stephen sailing sport mode took the lead and put plenty of clear water behind him to win on handicap, with Bob Carter, Nick Dewhurst, Philip Howden and Fenella Thomas following.

Overall results were very close reflecting an excellent  weekends racing.

Many thanks to the following who made it all happen:

Roger and Kath Smith, Bryan Spencer and Dave Hewes as Race Officers
Clive Shenton, Bob Hall, Paul Metcalfe, Tim Dowley, Mike Hobbs, Tony Ferguson, Pete Playle, Ali Enver, Glynis Monks, Chris Kirby and Fee Shaw for Support Boat duties.

Tina for the Galley and Simon from the Star for the evening meal.

Malcolm and Margaret Yeoman for manning the bar and Wendy Hurrell-Smith for arranging Shazam.

Paul Metcalfe for manning reception.

Dave Russell for doing results and just about everything else whilst I was busy sailing!

(Jenny omits to mention her own contribution ie organising and running the whole thing!! Oh yes - and sailing fairly well too! Ed.)