Comet Open at Burghfield Sailing Club

Eleven Comet Sailors arrived at Burghfield SC with the weather forecast promising wind and showers.

In race one Ian Coppenhall started at the pin end of the line and crossed the fleet on port to take the lead. With two islands between the start and mark one the fleet were immediately faced with a decision on which side of the islands to pass, and the fleet split into two. Ian Coppenhall, sailing between the islands, was first to the windward mark, followed by Ian Stone, who had gone to the left of the course. The next few places were from sailors who had gone through the islands, and were led by Michael Ettershank who passed Ian Stone to take second place on the following leg. Ian Coppenhall extended his lead, while Michael dropped to third and Henry Jaggers, sailing his Xtra rig, consolidated his fourth position.

With the wind shifting in direction the course was changed for race two. The two Ians started at the pin end and took the lead, with Ian Stone leading. However, Ian Coppenhall eventually caught Ian Stone to win. Further back Chris Robinson, Henry and Michael fought for third place. On the last beat to the finish Chris was in third, covering Michael. However, they weren’t heading to the favoured end of the finish line. Henry, in fifth place, spotted this and tacked off and took third place.

In race three the two Ians started from the pin, and again took the lead, with Ian Stone leading. Ian Coppenhall tried to sail over Ian Stone on the first broad reach, but nearly death rolled, but in recovering, gybed and broached, giving Ian Stone a good lead. However, Ian Stone nearly capsized on the beat, and this slowed him down enough to allow Ian Coppenhall to get past to take his third win – winning overall with Ian Stone second overall. Further back Chris passed Michael to take third place in the race, and overall.

Overall Results: