Solo Western Travellers at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club
by Solo Publicity 26 Apr 2013 10:44 BST
14 April 2013
The first open of the 2013 Western Travellers was held on Saturday 14th April at Bristol Corinthian near Cheddar.
After weeks of bitterly cold easterly winds it was a relief to have a not so bitter southeast wind which veered during the day with wind speeds up to about 20 knots.
The race officer, Ian Wakeling had his work cut out starting three fleets (Lasers, OKs and Solos) with the odd general recall but managed to maintain good control. He set trapezoid courses and these allowed some exciting reaches where places could be gained or lost by playing the gusts.
Visiting helms came from all over the Western area with a strong contingent from Chew Valley and the welcome return of helms from Sutton Bingham.
Racing on the whole was quite tight with individual duels being fought throughout the fleet and the occasional unwanted 'swim'.
Chris Goldhawk won the first race with Graham Cranford Smith 2nd, Brian Kitching 3rd and Colin Newton 4th.
In the second race Roger Battersby (8th in the first race) came 1st, Graham Cranford Smith 2nd,
Chris Goldhawk 3rd and Brian Kitching 4th.
Tied with 4 points each going into the 3rd and last race, Chris Goldhawk took 1st place and the meeting from Graham who came a consistent 2nd. Third was Brian Kitching with Roger Battersby 4th.
Overall top four places:
1st Chris Goldhawk, Chew Valley Lake SC, 2 points
2nd Graham Cranford Smith Salcombe YC, 4 points
3rd Roger Battersby Sutton Bingham SC, 5 points
4th Brian Kitching Chew Valley Lake SC, 6 points