Osprey Scottish & Northern Championship at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club
by Jonathan Osgood 23 Oct 2013 20:08 BST
19-20 October 2013
Snakes and Ladders
The weather as the Osprey travellers lived up to the name of Grimworth Reservoir, grim. The early arrivals were greeted with fog whilst the later arrivals had torrential rain. With travellers as far afield as Devon and Hayling in the South, Kielder in the North the warm welcome from Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club overrode the attentions of the British climate. Unfortunately the bar shut early however a workaround existed, sale or return was offered and the Osprey fleet managed to ensure that the later arrivals had a couple of beers to fortify themselves before battling the elements to erect their tents.
Saturday dawned with no rain and good visibility. Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club had new caters starting on the Saturday morning and the Osprey fleet can recommend their bacon and egg baps.
The 3 races planned for Saturday took place for took place in a moderate breeze that changed in both direction and strength. Racing was tight with never more than a leg separating the fleet. As always picking the right shift gained places and finding the holes and headers cost places. Heather and Osgood in 1182 provided the entertainment in the 3rd race, tacking on a shift lifted past the mark, having to unwind themselves and then hit the mark. 3rd to last is one stupid move and the laughter from the passing fleet could be heard across the reservoir.
At the end of the first day as the fleet retired to the bar the top 3 were 1311 leading with 1182 and 1337 in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Back in the Bar the fleet were treated to an excellent value evening meal and the new caterers rushed off to restock the bar.
Sunday was again dry despite the forecast, which is after all just a guess from the weather man. Racing was again tight. Overall 1311 ran-away with the area championship but 2 points separated the next 4 places with a split tie for 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th.
Overall Results: (top five)
1st 1311, Chris Gould and Nick Broomhall
2nd 1337, Robert Shaw and Ian Little
3rd 1276, Alec Mamwell and Arthur Butler
4th 1182, Paul Heather and Jonathan Osgood
5th 1347, Philip Meakins and Ben Meakins
Creation Covers sponsored some spot prizes for the first lady helm Alex Willis in 1291 and the oldest competitor who sailed in 1276.
Thanks to our sponsors and to Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club for hosting an excellent event.