Cadet World Team Selector Event at Parkstone Yacht Club
by Andy Shorrock 7 May 2013 16:38 BST
4-5 May 2013
The Cadet Class, sponsored by Zhik, raced for the Clemenson Nautilus Trophy at Parkstone Yacht Club over the 4th and 5th May.
With only a single race completed so far in the World team selection series, the prayers of 132 sailors in 66 boats were answered when the wind and sunshine finally arrived to allow a full 6 race event to be held.
Saturday was not for the faint-hearted. The south westerly wind blowing between 18 and 28 knots poised a great challenge, whether the battle was against the elements or the highly charged racing. The faces of the sailors and parents were anxious as they rigged boats with the wind whistling through the rigging in Parkstone marina.
Alex Philpott and Harry Fitzsimmons (Frensham Pond) stamped their authority on the event winning the first and third race but fell victim to a black flag in race 2 when the change of tide caused a number of the fleet to be over the start line too early.
Alex Warrington and Ellie Wootton (Thorpe Bay) enjoyed the conditions, winning race 2 and also scoring a 2nd and 3rd to finish the day at the top of the leader board. Henry Stone and Hattie Collingridge (Waldringfield) also had a strong day with 4, 2, 4 to be right on the leader's tails.
Sunday was a totally different day. Brilliant sunshine with the flags only just stirring led to a more relaxed atmosphere in the boat park. After an hour waiting for the wind Race Officer Paul Freeman finally got what he wanted as the sea breeze built to a steady 15 knots producing perfect champagne sailing conditions.
Visitors from the Netherlands, Nienke de Jong and AnneMare Baars, made a great start to race 4 but were overhauled by Aaron Holman and Tom Smith (Hollowell) who went on to win. Warrington/Wootton were victorious again in race 5 but with Philpott/Fitzsimmons in 2nd the stage was set for a final race showdown.
In race 6 it was Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick (Alton Water) who lead around the windward mark and sailed away into an impressive lead to win. Holman/Smith completed a strong series with a 2nd but a 3rd for Philpott/Fitzsimmons was enough for overall victory by a point from Warrington/Wootton who got stuck in the pack for the first time in the weekend.
Huge thanks are due to Parkstone Yacht Club for their warm welcome, great organization and slick race management.
The final World Team Selection event is on 25th/26th May at the Royal Corinthian, Burnham-on-Crouch in readiness for the World Championships which start on 25th July in Nieuwpoort, Belgium.
Overall Results:
1st 9754, Alex Philpott & Harry Fitzsimmons (Frensham Pond SC)
2nd 8541, Alex Warrington & Ellie Wootton (Thorpe Bay YC)
3rd 9753, Aaron Holman & Tom Smith (Hollowell)
4th 9369, Same Yale & Harry Chatterton (Waldringfield)
5th 9374, Henry Stone & Hattie Collingridge (Waldringfield)
6th 8521, Alex Page & Aaron Chadwick (Alton Water)