Comet Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club

Comets at Fishers Green © Karen O'Brien

Sixteen sailors prepped their dinghies for what was to become an event of challenging racing. Windy and brisk weather was the form for the day.

The Race Officer, Bill Brockbank commenced his briefing prompt on schedule, with competitors being warned of the 'ring of steel' which marked where an island had been blown away by the winter storms, as well as being briefed on the FGSC signals should RRS 33 'Change of Course' be implemented.

The first race, set from the Race Boat was a trapezoid figure of eight. It consisted of two hard beats which accommodated the wind shifts well. It was a strenuous start to the first race of the Eastern Aphelion Travellers Trophy; four boats did not finish the race. However, Ian Coppenhall returning to Fishers Green after a break of several years was no stranger to the water and successfully settled with first place.

There was no respite and the field launched straight into Race 2 with the same course which had served Ian well and secured him with a second win.

Towards the end of the race the conditions lightened a little and ten boats were successful in finishing this time. However after lunch the strengthened winds returned. The Race Officer shifted the course, but kept the same fundamental trapezoid shape which had served well in the morning. A fiery start with most boats on starboard tack, caught our current leader out. His port tack was not quite nippy enough to clear the passage of those with right of way. On the third leg down wind, severe death roll gusts made their debut. The gusts resulted in several capsizes and more than half the field retired. Chris Robinson, a previous champion of the FGSC Open, took this opportunity to step up from second place and secured a win.

Third place in all 3 races was fought for throughout the remaining field with Bob Dodds being the most successful.

Teas and prize giving followed with Ian Coppenhall as the overall victor. A heartfelt thank you was provided by the winner to the FGSC hosts, and thanks made to the Race Officer.

Overall Results: