Wanderer Inland Championships at Bewl Valley Sailing Club
by Mike Hamilton 11 Oct 2010 13:44 BST
2-3 October 2010
Wanderer Inlands at Bewl Valley © Michael Axtel
Race officer Jeff Warley, BVSC
Saturday
Race 1 - 15 boats came to the line in a force two. Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper sailing a new Hartley Wanderer got a clear start near the committee boat end closely followed by Paul Yeadon and Liz North in W1282. Gavin and Mark lead from start to finish, just keeping Paul and Liz at bay. Colin and Sally Gilbert in W1163, who started at the pin end finished third.
Race 2 - The weather gauge indicated 5 knots of wind before the start of the second race and with no determined bias on the line, most boats started at the committee boat end. The conditions favoured the lighter crews and enabled Mike Hamilton & David Oats to get away and lead to the finish. Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper crossed in second position just ahead of Will & David Lowes in W1351.
Race 3 - Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper set the pace leaving the boats of Will and David Lowes, Mike Hamilton and David Oats, Paul Yeadon and Liz North jostling for second position. Mike and David just managed to stay ahead of Will and David to take second.
Sunday
Race 4 - With a forecast of 15-18 knots of wind gusting 25 knots some crews did not come to the line. The course was skilfully sailed by Paul Yeadon and Liz North who took first place, Will and David Lowes took second and Gavin and Mark took third.
Race 5 - Will and David Lowes capsized just before the start to see the rest of the fleet disappear. Mike Hamilton and David Oats capsized before the first mark and retired. Under really testing conditions Gavin Barr and Mark Skipper lead the way to finish first. Paul and Liz took second. Mark & Ian took third.
Overall Results:
1st W1626, Gavin Barr & Mark Skipper (Whitstable YC)
2nd W1282 Paul Yeadon & Liz North (CSSA/WYC)
3rd W992, Mike Hamilton & David Oats (Netley Cliff SC)
4th W1351, Will Lowes & David Lowes (WYC)