Supernova Open at Weston Sailing Club

Sunshine and a good breeze welcomed 14 Supernovas to the south coast. The race officer set an Olympic course and despite helms not being able to see the windward mark racing was going to be close.

Race 1 saw the fleet head off to the left of the course, all except Steve Hawley who made it to the windward mark first, but was closely followed by Cliff Milliner and Paul Undrell. Ian Morgan didn’t make it far up the first beat before his halyard snapped. Local boat Keith Watson led the chasing fleet. Milliner took Hawley on the next beat, but it was Undrell who took advantage and established a solid lead on the run. Milliner chased but took the wrong side of the beat, Undrell was first to the windward mark but only a few boat lengths ahead of Hawley. Hawley took Undrell on the last reach to take first, Undrell came in for second followed by Milliner and Watson.

Race 2. Morgan and Milliner took a large early lead followed by Undrell. Watson led Jeff Mountain and Hawley. Morgan and Milliner changed places several times during the race and no one else was able to get near them. Undrell easily finished in 3rd and Watson 4th Mountain capsized letting Hawley in for 5th.

Race 3. Morgan stormed in to the lead followed by Milliner, Undrell, Barry Winter and Hawley. Morgan looked unstoppable until with rudder trouble was forced to retire. Milliner was left uncontested to take first followed by Undrell and Hawley who took Winter on the final reach.

With the sun shining we sat outside and chatted, Weston put on a good evening meal and several beers later we had set the world to rights. The campers all woke at 4am due to strong breezes and this proved to be the trend for the following day. The next day we woke to a strong wind and this remained steady all morning. With gusts exceeding 30 knots the race officer decided to cancel the day's racing.

Overall Results:

1st Cliff Milliner (Cotswold SC) 2pts
2nd Steve Hawley (Severn SC) 4pts
3rd Paul Undrell (Haversham SC) 4pts